In his ten years at the Mann Center — which is the official summer home of the Philadelphia Orchestra — Lane oversaw major improvements in the organization's finances, programming and even appearance. When he arrived, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer, the Mann was more than $2 million in debt and was losing both lucrative rock acts and its municipal subsidy; during his tenure, both revenues and donations have more than tripled, according to the paper. Lane spearheaded a $15 million renovation of the center, brought in popular (if uncool) performers such as Tony Bennett and Sarah Brightman as well as prestigious dance companies such as the Bolshoi Ballet and London's Royal Ballet, and improved such amenities as on-site meals. (These improvements did cost money, of course: prices for both tickets and parking at the Mann rose as well.) In addition, Lane greatly increased the number of daytime children's programs the Mann offers during the summer — one of his proudest achievements, according to the Inquirer.
"We were thrilled to have Peter for 10 years," board vice chairman nancy Wolcott told the paper. "He did a phenomenal job building a strong staff and growing the visibility of the Mann. He will be missed, and we're pleased for this opportunity for him to move on."
Another vice chairman of the Mann board, William L. Leonard, will run the center as interim president. A search committee has already been formed to recruit Lane's successor.
