Deborah Borda, former CEO of NY Phil and LA Phil, awarded Sanford Medal
This year’s Samuel Simons Sanford Medal was awarded to renowned arts executive Deborah Borda. José García-León, the Henry and Lucy Moses Dean of Music, presented Borda with the award at the Yale Philharmonia’s May 1 concert.
Throughout her career, Borda has advanced how symphony orchestras serve their communities through her leadership in top posts at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and, most recently, as President and CEO of the New York Philharmonic. At LA Phil, her business, education, and curatorial plan was credited with restoring the orchestra to robust artistic and financial health. She spearheaded the appointment of music director Gustavo Dudamel, with whom she invested in groundbreaking educational initiatives such as YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles) and the national Take a Stand program — both of which have become models for effecting social change through music. Her tenure also saw the development of high-profile artistic initiatives, including the in/SIGHT series.
At NY Phil, she introduced programming that engaged with vital global conversations — from immigration to women’s rights — most notably through Project 19, the largest women composers commissioning initiative in history, created to mark the centennial of American women’s suffrage. Under her leadership, the Orchestra also deepened its community engagement through revitalized educational projects. Crucially, she guided the Orchestra through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID‑19 pandemic and oversaw the accelerated completion of David Geffen Hall — a project that followed other major transformations she has shepherded, including closely collaborating with acclaimed architect Frank Gehry on the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles and Orchestra Hall in Detroit. In June 2023, the Orchestra named her an Honorary Member of the Society in recognition of her outstanding service to the organization and the world of music.
“Deborah Borda has helped redefine what an American orchestra can be: artistically fearless, financially resilient, and deeply accountable to the community it serves. Across decades of leadership, she has championed bold programming, elevated the voices of today’s most compelling artists and composers, and strengthened institutions so they can thrive for generations,” said García-León. “We are profoundly honored to welcome her to Yale, and grateful for the opportunity for our students and community to learn from one of the most influential and visionary leaders in the world of music.”
Prior to her appearance at the Philharmonia concert, Borda met with a group of Artist Diploma students and — as part of an ongoing initiative by the Office of Student Life — gave a career strategies talk to the broader YSM community, where she discussed leadership, fundraising, collaboration, and global trends in the classical music industry.
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First awarded in 1973, the Sanford Medal is the School’s highest honor and is given in recognition of distinguished service to music and music education. Its namesake, pianist and educator Samuel Simons Sanford (1849–1910), joined Yale in 1894 and served on the music faculty for sixteen years. Previous Medal recipients include Emanuel Ax, Pierre Boulez, Aaron Copland, Yo-Yo Ma, and Willie Ruff.
