Steve Collins

Steve Collins is driven by a deep belief in the transformative power of great music and the symphony orchestra’s ability to positively impact community development. He became the Executive Director of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra in April 2016. Previous to that, since 2014, Collins served as the orchestra’s Director of Artistic Operations and Administration, helping guide the organization through a radically changing cultural environment, financial landscape, and role as a leading regional arts organization. Collins has served as a champion of artistic development, working with HSO Music Director Carolyn Kuan to infuse performances with digital media content, engage audiences in imaginative ways, and create opportunities for community collaboration. Additionally, Collins spearheaded an organization-wide realignment with community resources including negotiating critical agreements and establishing the position of Hartford Symphony Assistant Conductor, naming Adam Kerry Boyles as the first to the position. Most recently, he was named the 2018 Non-profit Executive of the Year by the Hartford Business Journal.

Formerly Executive Director of the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra and Education Director of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, Collins has successfully raised over $4 million in endowment support and project funding, revitalized orchestra operations, and created education programming serving more than 40,000 children and families annually throughout Connecticut. Collins also served as Librarian and Educational Consultant for the GreaterBridgeport Symphony, where he implemented the first fully integrated educational program in the organization’s history. Additionally, Collins was Project Manager for Collins Construction Company, where he managed commercial renovation and new construction projects up to 100,000 square feet. Collins is the 2014 Elizabeth L. Mahaffey Arts Administration Fellow, a distinction of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development. He also enjoys performing as a percussionist with the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, Greater Bridgeport Symphony Orchestras, Goodspeed Musicals, and varied chamber ensembles across the tristate area. Collins holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from the Hartt School ofMusic, University of Hartford.