PODCAST: Inside Berklee—Boston Conservatory at Berklee President Richard Ortner

As he prepares to step down as president of Boston Conservatory at Berklee, Richard Ortner reflects on his time at the Conservatory and the school's historic merger with Berklee.

May 2, 2017

As Berklee Chief of Staff Melissa Howe puts it, the merger of Boston Conservatory with Berklee was a “pioneering move.” In a conversation with outgoing Boston Conservatory at Berklee President Richard Ortner at the BIRN studios, she asks him how he figured out that this was the right next step.

Nearly one year after the merger, Ortner reflects on the historic move, the synergy of the combined institution, the early wins and challenges, and the leaders and visionaries who have influenced his approach.

As he prepares to move on, Ortner is enthusiastic about the evolving institution. "Great people are going to carry this work forward," he says.