Limor Tomer will fill the role as Judy Morr retires after 39 years with the Center.
The Segerstrom Center for the Arts announced Monday that Limor Tomer – the general manager of the Live Arts Department at The Metropolitan Museum of Art for the last 13 years – will be the new leader of programming and production for the Center. She succeeds Judy Morr, who was recruited in 1985 to be the first general manager of the Orange County Performing Arts Center, now the Segerstrom Center for the Arts.
Morr, who has been acting as an artistic advisor to the Center for the last year or so, was a key player in shaping Segerstrom Center’s reputation as a leading presenter of dance. She brought a world-class dance series to the Center that showcased talent from around the world and built relationships with renowned companies like American Ballet Theatre, which has performed at the Center over 37 times.
She also established close ties with world-famous dance companies, like the Bolshoi, Kirov and Mariinsky Ballet companies, who came to the Center nearly every year until recent sanctions against Russia and Russian companies.
“In organizations like the Performing Arts Center, a lot of people get credit for a lot of things, but Judy Morr, I think, is the single most important person in the evolution of that Center,” said Jerry Mandel, former president of the Irvine Barclay Theatre, who worked closely with Morr during his tenure as president of the Orange County Performing Arts Center from 1997 to 2006. “I’m not counting donors who gave all the money but I’m talking about really establishing the identity of it.”
In a news release, Tomer said, “My predecessor, Judy Morr, gave the Center its soul and distinction. She left a rich and globally significant legacy, one that I'm eager to build on. I look forward to sharing world-class performances and diverse artistic experiences with our vibrant community and inspiring and connecting with current and future audiences in this cultural powerhouse in Southern California.”
When her new role officially begins on Jan. 6, 2025, Tomer will play a part in formulating the artistic vision for Segerstrom Center, including creating new work and exploring opportunities for the center to enhance its role and reputation as a producer. She will also be the primary liaison for Segerstrom’s resident companies – Pacific Symphony, Pacific Chorale, and the Philharmonic Society of Orange County – as well as on-site American Ballet Theatre programs.
Born in Israel, Tomer moved to the United States at age 13. She earned both her B.A. and M.A. from The Juilliard School and studied for her doctorate in aesthetics at New York University. For 10 years, she performed professionally as a classical pianist in solo and orchestral performances throughout the U.S. and Europe.
While at The Met, Tomer programmed performances for the institution's 700-seat auditorium in addition to its galleries and public spaces. During her time directing the Live Arts Department, it earned acclaim as a world leader in museum-based performance.
Video showing highlights of the Live Art program at The Met.
"I could not be more excited to welcome Limor to both the Center and our vibrant Orange County community,” said Casey Reitz, president and CEO of Segerstrom Center for the Arts, in a statement.
“Her extraordinary blend of talents as an artist, programmer, educator and producer brings precisely the vision and expertise we need to propel the Center forward. She is a dynamo who will both honor the artistic traditions that have made the center a cultural landmark while leading us towards new and innovative horizons.”
