Breaking: Boston Symphony raids LA Phil for new CEO

The Boston Symphony Orchestra has just named Chad Smith as its next president and CEO, starting in four months’ time.

Smith, 51, is presently CEO of the LA Philharmonic.

He is an LA Phil lifer, working there for more than 20 years, mostly with Gustavo Dudamel as music director. He succeeds Gail Samuel, also from the LA Phil. Samuel was ousted last September after trying to rush through rapid changes.

If Boston found Samuel hard to bear, Smith has a reputation at the LA Phil for high-handedness with staff members.

This may well be an interesting appointment.

What follows is press release stuff:

From the BSO – “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.”

From the LA Phil – The Los Angeles Philharmonic congratulates Chad Smith on his appointment as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

For more than 20 years, Chad has committed his passion, energy, intellect, and talents to establishing the Los Angeles Philharmonic as one of the premier orchestras in the world and an invaluable asset to the County of Los Angeles. Under his leadership, the LA Phil expanded its artistic ambitions and grew its audiences, both in person and through multiple media platforms. Chad’s tireless work ethic and intrepid approach shepherded the LA Phil through the COVID pandemic, and he led the organization in reaffirming its steadfast commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. His devotion to arts education through his support and expansion of YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles) will ensure that his legacy in Los Angeles will continue for generations to come. During his time here, Chad vigorously pursued innovative programming and became known as one of the industry’s great champions of new music. He will always be part of the LA Phil family, and we wish him all the best in Boston.