Boston Symphony 's Big Week: Holds 'Unforgettable' Gala, Appoints Next President & CEO, and Pops Premieres Triumphant Concert 'Ragtime'

It's been a big week for the Boston Symphony. First, the Boston Pops returned with a triumphant three-performance run of a new concert version of the Broadway musical "Ragtime" last weekend. Under Keith Lockhart's musical direction, the semi-staged version (under the hand of Jason Danieley), a remarkable cast of Broadway professionals made the case of the Stephen Flaherty- Lynn Ahrens score becoming a concert staple. Best of all were Nikki Renée Daniels and Elizabeth Stanley, who both stopped the show, with Daniels' moving "Your Daddy's Son," and Stanley's stirring "Back to Before."

On Tuesday night, the BSO held Spring Gala with 450 guests attending and performers James Taylor, Yo-Yo Ma, Keith Lockhart, and soloists from BSO's recent "Ragtime" production, which those in attendance called an "unforgettable night" in Symphony Hall as patrons, orchestra members, and special guests joined to celebrate this wonderful organization with an evening of friendship, fine dining, and, of course, music – and more music. Among the selections performed by Yo-Yo and James together were "Here Comes the Sun" and "Sweet Baby James."

Between the two events, the orchestra made a major administrative change with the appointment of Chad Smith, one of the country's leading orchestral music executives, as the institution's next President and Chief Executive Officer, effective early fall 2023.

Smith currently serves as the Chief Executive of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, a role he has held for four years, and at which he worked in close partnership with Music and Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel to establish and advance several of the most impactful orchestral programs of the 21st century. During this tenure, Smith led the LA Phil's artistic and business teams to propel record financial growth year upon year and invest in visionary programs to foster a culturally diverse talent pipeline and expand new audiences.

As the Julian and Eunice Cohen President and CEO of the BSO, Smith will manage the Boston Symphony Orchestra (under the direction of Andris Nelsons), the Boston Pops (under the direction of Keith Lockhart), and Tanglewood, bringing a unique blend of experience both as an artist and a seasoned executive for some of the world's most beloved arts organizations. Relying on that insight and experience, Smith will be charged with sustaining the BSO's international reputation for orchestral excellence and establishing a premier slate of programming initiatives to foster renewed arts appreciation among audiences and deepen the institution's community and civic engagement. The appointment marks Smith's return to Boston, where he earned bachelor's and master's degrees in vocal performance at the New England Conservatory of Music and an undergraduate degree in history at Tufts University.

"Chad is an extraordinarily accomplished executive with a track record of unrivaled success at producing environments where orchestras thrive, audiences experience orchestral music in both traditional and non-traditional ways, and one-of-a-kind partnerships flourish," said John Loder, Vice Chair of the BSO's Board of Trustees and Chair of the Search Committee that recommended that the Board appoint Smith. "A tested leader with deep experience in all aspects of orchestral administration, and a conservatory-trained classical musician, Chad possesses a singular ability to balance new programming initiatives with the critical preservation of artistic tradition at the highest level. The BSO has a long history of setting standards for the entire orchestral field, and Chad brings to the BSO a demonstrated commitment to sustaining excellence and increasing impact."

Throughout his career, Smith has served as a champion of composers, emerging conductors, and soloists, with a passion and skill for honoring the legacy of the orchestral art form while helping to steward a culturally vibrant and diverse future. One of his signature focuses has been the creation of performance environments and venues that offer a rich and expanding musical repertoire, celebrate new talent, and attract broad audiences.

"I see endless opportunity to support and grow those things which make the BSO so very special, impactful in Boston, and revered around the world – from the Orchestra's longstanding prominence in the legendary Symphony Hall, to the beloved Boston Pops, the Tanglewood festival, the Tanglewood Learning Institute, and the Tanglewood Music Center, where I was a student for two summers," said Smith.

"Undoubtedly, the Orchestra thrives at the center of it all – a cultural jewel for the city, as well as the arts community locally and beyond. Throughout my career I have been fortunate to partner with three extraordinary artistic directors, and one of the things I love most about these collaborations is the opportunity to empower creative artists to do their very best work. I look forward to partnering with BSO Music Director Andris Nelsons, the brilliant players, the dedicated staff, and the Board of Trustees to keep building on one of the most storied legacies in music. I am deeply grateful to the Board of Trustees for entrusting me with this tremendous honor."