Steven Libman recognized his passion for theater, dance and classical music as a youth attending a high school offering a strong theater program. That exposure led him to decide that he wanted to spend his life working in the performing arts.
“I was entranced by the deep, emotional connection between the artist and the audience,” said President and CEO of the Jacksonville Symphony, Steven Libman.
The Jacksonville Symphony, with a budget of $13.5 million, serves over 113,000 people each season through performances in Jacoby Symphony Hall at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts and through its Community Engagement programs. The Symphony is the largest arts organization in Northeast Florida, the largest symphony orchestra in Florida and is vital to Jacksonville’s economic development. Nationally, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reports arts and cultural economic activity accounted for 4.3 percent of GDP, or $1.10 trillion, in 2022.
Libman is responsible for the financial management, fundraising, marketing and production functions for the Jacksonville Symphony and partners with the Music Director Courtney Lewis on long range planning and programming. Libman is nationally recognized for developing an entrepreneurial and creative approach to strategic planning, fundraising, programming, branding, marketing initiatives, institutional growth and problem solving.
While in college, Libman majored in economics management and administration. He earned a bachelor’s degree in performing arts management from Rhode Island College.
“I was fortunate that I knew what I wanted to do as a career at a young age,” said Libman. “It’s also good to know what you’re good at and where you excel.”
Libman’s successful career as an arts executive has led to positions throughout the country. He started as Managing Director of the Rev Theatre Company (formerly the Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival) and the Fulton Opera House before being named Managing Director of the Pittsburgh Ballet, where he spent 17 years. Libman became Managing Director of the La Jolla Playhouse, President/CEO of the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, Indiana, and Chief Advancement Officer for the Atlanta Ballet.
Over the years, Libman has played a key role connecting millions of people to artists. Highlights include reaching new audiences by producing ballets set to the music of Sting, Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen and others at the Pittsburgh Ballet. The Tony Award-winning musical “Jersey Boys” was created at La Jolla Playhouse and during Libman’s tenure he was part of the team that successfully transferred the production to Broadway.
Libman joined the Jacksonville Symphony in January 2020 and navigated the Symphony through the COVID-19 pandemic during his first year. The Jacksonville Symphony was one of only 10 orchestras in America that performed in their hall during the 2020/21 Season.
Libman recognizes the importance of working with a great leadership team and committed staff. For more than two years, Libman and his team have been planning the Symphony’s 75th Anniversary Season, which opens on September 21, 2024, with Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 2. The season also will include more than 40 guest artists, the world premiere of three new works, a Jimmy Buffett tribute and visits from Harry Potter and Han Solo.
For those interested in a successful arts management career, Libman recommends having a deep knowledge of several art forms, as well as understanding of the production function. Strong writing and speaking skills are essential. It is also vital to have financial management, marketing and fundraising skills.
“You should be a consumer of information,” Libman said. “Are you insanely curious about the world and what’s happening around you?”
Most of all, Libman says, “It’s important to have a good time, be joyful and maintain a sense of humor.”