麻豆村

The Tepper School of Business welcomed Maestro Manfred Honeck, Music Director of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, as its inaugural guest for the 2025-26 edition of the W.L. Mellon Speaker Series.聽

Known for his visionary leadership and artistry, Honeck has guided the Pittsburgh Symphony to international recognition since 2008, earning multiple GRAMMY Awards, touring globally, and building a reputation for excellence and longevity. During the discussion, Honeck drew connections between leading an orchestra and leading a company, underscoring the importance of preparation, vision, and trust.

鈥淎s a leader, you have to know your score and your music better than anyone, and that鈥檚 the basis of leadership,鈥� he said. 鈥淵ou must know everything that鈥檚 happening 鈥� too loud, too soft, too early, too late 鈥� it鈥檚 about understanding both the people and the music.鈥�

Honeck observed that, just like in business, credibility stems from deep knowledge and a clear vision, and he reflected on the importance of creativity in sustaining a long-term perspective.

鈥淢usicians must trust you. They have to be confident in what you do. Just like in a company, a leader has to gain the respect of their team,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 invite musicians to play. I give them ideas and images and encourage them to be creative. People understand much more if you connect the music with their own lives.鈥�

Under Honeck鈥檚 leadership, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra has grown into one of the most respected ensembles in the world. His tenure was recently extended through the 2027鈥�2028 season, placing him among the longest-serving leaders of any major American orchestra. His ability to find new meaning in familiar works is a key to his longevity, highlighting the importance of lifelong learning.

鈥淏elieve it or not, when you open a score you thought you knew, every time you discover something new. That keeps me alive,鈥� he explained. 鈥淎s soon as I stop being curious, I will stop conducting. It would be unfair to the audience and to the orchestra not to give the best result.鈥�

The event was hosted by Tepper School Dean Isabelle Bajeux-Besnainou and Mary Ellen Poole, Dean of the College of Fine Arts, with the conversation moderated by Oliver Hahl, Tepper School Associate Dean of Graduate Programs, and David McCarroll, Artist Lecturer in Violin at the School of Music and Concertmaster of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Following the discussion, a reception provided an opportunity to reflect on how the lessons of music resonate across disciplines.

Beginning in 2006, the W.L. Mellon Speaker Series has provided an opportunity for students to interact with global leaders, CEOs, and management experts.