In the world of fine arts, the image of a symphony leader often evokes thoughts of tuxedos and sheet music. But if you sit down with David McClymont, CEO of the Palm Beach Symphony, you’ll find a leader who is just as comfortable on a surfboard as he is in a boardroom.

In a recent episode of the ArtyGras Podcast, host Sarah Lapierre sat down with McClymont to discuss his unconventional journey from competitive surfing and finance to leading one of Florida's premier cultural institutions.

From Surfing to Symphony: An Unexpected Journey

A native of Jupiter, Florida, David McClymont’s early years were defined by the water. A competitive surfer and Ironman triathlete, David credits his endurance sports background for his business acumen.

"If you're training for the Iron Man, you have to wake up at 4:00 or 5:00 in the morning... there’s days you don’t want to go, but you have to. Business is no different. You have to persevere."

After 15 years in the club business and a successful tenure at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, David joined the Palm Beach Symphony in 2013. He saw the organization as a "blank canvas"—a 40-year-old institution with massive growth potential that many of the 1.6 million residents of Palm Beach County had yet to discover.

Where Data Meets Creativity

One of the most fascinating aspects of David’s leadership is his "two-wing" approach to management. He believes that data drives decisions, but creativity sustains the soul.

The Data Wing: Using KPIs and metrics to understand audience growth and financial sustainability.
The Creative Wing: Taking risks to produce world-class performances that evoke genuine emotion.

This balance led to the landmark appointment of Gerard Schwarz as Music Director. Schwarz, a multi-Emmy and Grammy nominee, has used his legendary reputation to bring some of the world's greatest guest artists to Palm Beach.

Breaking the "Elitist" Barrier

David is on a mission to dismantle the intimidation factor often associated with classical music. Through initiatives like "Meet Me in the Mezzanine," the symphony invites local professional associations for networking, a glass of champagne, and a chance to meet musicians at intermission.

His message to the community is simple: Come as you are. You don't need a tuxedo or a deep knowledge of music history to feel the emotion of a live orchestra.

Educating the Next Generation

Under David’s leadership, the symphony has expanded its reach far beyond the stage:

1,000 Instruments Donated: Just recently, the symphony gave away its 1,000th instrument to a local student.
90,000 Students Reached: Through educational outreach and residency programs, the symphony is supplementing music programs in Title One schools.
Award-Winning Content: The symphony recently won an Emmy for their children's concert, Carnival of More Animals, featuring wildlife expert Forrest Galante.

Looking Ahead: The 2025-26 Season

If you haven't experienced the Palm Beach Symphony yet, the current season offers several "must-see" opportunities:

Emanuel Ax (May 17): A world-renowned pianist will close the season in what promises to be an unforgettable performance.
24th Annual Gala (February 16): Held at The Breakers, this event features the "B Major Award," where a $50,000 fund helps graduating seniors purchase professional-level instruments for college.

How to Get Involved

Whether you want to buy tickets, volunteer your time (the symphony loves data-savvy volunteers!), or learn more about educational programs, visit palmbeachsymphony.org.

As David says, "The answer is yes, what's the question?" Join the movement and experience the power of the Palm Beach Symphony for yourself.