BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) announced on Thursday that in June of this year, the institution will name orchestral music executive Gail Samuel as it's first female president and CEO.
Samuel will serve at the organization's eighth president during its 140-year history --- leading the Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Pops, Tanglewood and local music-based initiatives in the Greater Boston area.
According to the BSO, Samuel has three decades of experience in the industry, including serving in senior leadership roles at the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
Samuel started as the LA Philharmonic's Orchestra Manager in 1993, and moved through various ranks to become the organization's Executive Director in 2015.
Chair-Elect of the Board of Trustees Barbara W. Hostetter said that when the institution began it's search for a new leader in April of 2020, they were looking for someone with "a passion for symphony orchestras, a precise and proven business acumen, and a pioneering spirit that can build new audiences, reach diverse communities and expand [their] digital capacity and impact alike."
Hostetter said Samuel "meets and exceeds" that criteria, by holding an "innate love and appreciation for music and how it is presented."
Samuel was approved unanimously by a full board vote, upon receiving a recommendation by search committee. She succeeds current President and CEO Mark Volpe, who is stepping down from his role after 23 years at the BSO.
Volpe will remain in his position until June 20, 2021 when Samuel is officially sworn in.
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Written by Rachel Armany
(Photo: Courtesy of Boston Symphony Orchestra, Taken by Aram Boghosian)