Marie-Hélène Bernard

Marie-Hélène Bernard joined the Handel and Haydn Society as executive director and CEO in April 2007. A Québec native, Ms. Bernard has a bachelor’s degree in communications, media, and literature, in addition to a law degree (LLB) and a master’s degree in arts management. Prior to pursuing a career in arts management in the US, she practiced corporate and tax law for six years in Canada and remains a member of the Québec Bar Association. She won a prestigious fellowship in Orchestra Management with the League of American Orchestras and completed residencies with the New York Philharmonic and the Minnesota Orchestra. Between 1996 and 2007, she served as chief of staff, project manager and orchestra manager for the Philadelphia Orchestra, orchestra manager for the Cleveland Orchestra, and president/CEO of the Canton Symphony Orchestra. She performed Baroque music professionally for many years (viola da gamba) and serves on the board of Early Music America.