During the subsequent music directorship of Russell Stanger, the orchestra hired its first African-American musician, and took up residency in Chrysler Hall, which had opened in 1972.
In June 2021, the VSO announced the appointment of Jacobsen as its next music director, effective with the 2021–2022 season.
[4] In October 2023, the VSO announced an extension of Jacobsen's contract as music director through the 2026-2027 season.
[5] Karen Philion most recently served as the VSO's president and chief executive officer from 2014 to 2022.
In November 2022, the VSO announced the appointment of Andrea F. Warren as its new president and chief executive officer, the first African American woman named to the post, effective 1 December 2022.