David Fisk

David Fisk has served as President & CEO of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra since 2020, leading a period of revitalization, stability, and organizational growth. Under his leadership, the CSO navigated the challenges of the pandemic and emerged with a new strategic vision centered on artistic vitality, innovation, community engagement, and financial sustainability. His efforts helped make possible a transformative $50 million fundraising campaign — the largest in the Orchestra’s history — growing the endowment and securing the Symphony’s ability to serve its community well into the future. 

A key milestone of his tenure has been the appointment of Music Director Kwamé Ryan in 2022, a decision that attracted international attention and signaled a renewed artistic direction grounded in excellence, innovation, and relevance. Under Fisk’s leadership, the CSO delivered its first national broadcasts in more than 20 years and launched creative initiatives that broaden the Orchestra’s impact, including CSO Roadshow, a traveling concert series bringing music to under-resourced neighborhoods; immersive concert experiences such as Become Ocean at Blume Studios; and the CSO 360 Series — all of which have expanded the Symphony’s audience and community reach, and deepened its role as a vital part of life in Charlotte. 

Named one of Musical America’s Top Professionals of 2025, Fisk has prioritized building an organizational culture that serves as a national model for inclusive hiring and tenure processes. He has overseen the expansion of music education initiatives and access for students, and supported local school systems with resources for instruments. A strong advocate for the power of music in health, Fisk encouraged the formation of a Board-led Music & Wellness committee, bringing together leading healthcare professionals and Symphony partners to explore how live symphonic music can support well-being in both community and clinical settings. 

Prior to joining the Charlotte Symphony, Fisk spent 18 years as Executive Director of the Richmond Symphony, Virginia, where he led significant organizational growth, including the expansion of education programs, innovative community performances, and major increases in both operating budget and endowment. Earlier in his career, he served as Chief Executive of the Ulster Orchestra, the national symphony of Northern Ireland, General Manager of the Orchestra of St. John's, Smith Square in London, Development Director of the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, and creator and director of the award-winning Manchester International Festival of Expressionism 1992. 

Born in England, Fisk began his musical life as a chorister at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, learning piano, organ, and cello, and he later specialized in piano, composition, and choral conducting at the University of Manchester. He holds a postgraduate performer’s diploma in piano accompaniment from the Royal Northern College of Music. Before moving into arts administration, he worked as a freelance composer, arranger, conductor, opera coach, and orchestral keyboard player, and he remains an active musician. 

Fisk is married to the Irish soprano and vocal coach Anne O’Byrne, and they live in Charlotte’s Dilworth neighborhood. They have two children, Fionnuala (“Finn”) and Oliver. Outside of music, his interests include tennis, scuba diving, horse riding, motorcycling, flying, and continuing to improve his Spanish fluency.