The Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra (SPO) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Michael Jones as its new Executive Director, effective August 1 2025. This decision follows a comprehensive succession-planning and search process, part of SPO’s two-year capacity-building initiative supported by the Ontario Trillium Foundation and led by interim Executive Director, Linda Rogers. “After an extensive search process, we are confident Michael is the right person to build on SPO’s track record of success and take the orchestra to the next level. “said Paul Tichauer, SPO’s Board Chair
Michael Jones brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in arts management to the SPO. Most recently, he served as the CEO of SK Arts, the provincial arts funder for Saskatchewan, where he successfully managed an annual budget of nearly $10 million in support of artists. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in rebuilding relationships between the agency, the government, and the arts community.
Prior to his leadership at SK Arts, Michael directed the performing arts program for the Metcalf Foundation, one of Canada’s largest private family foundations dedicated to strategic support in the arts. His extensive experience also includes senior administrative roles at The School of Toronto Dance Theatre, Arraymusic, the Muki Baum Association, and Choirs Ontario.
Michael holds a Bachelor of Music and a Master of Arts in Music from Western University, along with certification in public sector governance from the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy. Since retiring from SK Arts, he has established a sole proprietorship arts management firm in Toronto, providing cluster management services to small arts organizations. In addition to his role at SPO, he serves as the Editorial Director for Opera Canada magazine and has completed various short-term contracts for Arts Consultants Canada and SK Arts.
In recognition of his contributions to the arts sector, Michael was honored in 2022 as one of the first 70 recipients of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal in Saskatchewan. As an artist, he has directed and served as music director on numerous productions for esteemed organizations, including Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, Drayton Entertainment, and Theatre Scarborough, with notable credits such as *Amadeus*, *Falsettos*, and *Next to Normal*.
“We are excited to welcome Michael Jones to the SPO family,” said Ronald Royer, SPO’s Artistic Director. “His extensive experience and passion for the arts will be invaluable as we prepare for our upcoming Season 2025-2026 and continue to enrich the cultural landscape of Scarborough.”
