The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra (Hamilton Phil) recognizes and celebrates a decade of dedicated leadership and service as Executive Director, Kim Varian prepares to depart the organization on December 18, 2026.
Kim joined the Hamilton Phil in 2016 and in 2020 she was appointed Executive Director. Over her six years as Executive Director, Kim has guided the organization through a period of significant growth, transformation and renewed ambition.
Under Kim’s leadership, the Hamilton Phil strengthened its financial sustainability, diversified its revenue streams and expanded its artistic, educational and community impact. During her tenure, the organization grew its operating budget by more than 30 per cent, established the national Centre for Musical Leadership, and strengthened its partnerships and leadership role within Hamilton’s cultural community and Canada’s orchestral music sector.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I extend our sincere gratitude to Kim for her outstanding leadership and dedication to the Hamilton Phil,” said Alex Muggah, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Kim has made a lasting contribution to this organization, strengthening its foundations, championing its artistic ambitions and expanding its reach and impact. Her vision and determination have helped position the Hamilton Phil for the future, and we are grateful for all she has accomplished. We wish her every success in her next chapter.”
“Being part of the Hamilton Phil for the past ten years has been an incredibly rewarding experience,” said Kim Varian. “What makes the Hamilton Phil so extraordinary is the community of people behind it, including its musicians, staff, volunteers, Board members, donors and audiences. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside this remarkable community and proud of what we have accomplished together. I look forward to seeing the organization continue to grow and thrive in the years ahead.”
Kim’s contributions to Hamilton’s cultural community have also been recognized through sector awards, including the 2026 Women Behind the Sound Award, presented by the City of Hamilton and Women Behind the Sound, honouring women whose leadership has made an impact on Canada’s music ecosystem, and the 2024 George R. Robinson Award, presented by the Hamilton Musicians’ Guild in recognition of her leadership, advocacy and support of music in the community.
The Board of Directors is committed to ensuring a smooth leadership transition and has established a Transition Committee to oversee the process. The committee will appoint an Interim Executive Director and establish a search committee to lead the recruitment of the organization’s next Executive Director later this season.
The Hamilton Phil looks forward to building on the momentum of recent years and continuing its commitment to musical excellence, innovation and community connection.
About the Hamilton Phil: For more than 140 years, the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra has been a pillar of our city’s arts and culture scene with a mission to connect our community through inspiring orchestral music and engaging experiences. Hamilton Phil presents dynamic orchestral performances ranging from standard classical repertoire to popular music and world premieres by living composers. As one of Canada’s leading professional orchestras, the Hamilton Phil has proudly contributed to shaping Hamilton’s cultural landscape.
Hamilton Phil Media Contact:
Megan Nourse
Marketing & Strategic Initiatives Manager
289-216-8273
mnourse@hpo.org