LA Phil replaces boss

The orchestra has moved swiftly to plug the gap left by CEO Chad Smith, who’s heading to Boston. They’ve upgraded a long-term insider for the time being.

Thomas L. Beckmen, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, announced today that the Board has appointed Chief Operating Officer Daniel Song to serve as Interim Chief Executive Officer; Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately. Chad Smith will continue to advise the Board of Directors and Executive leadership through August 7, prior to assuming his new role as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

“We are grateful to Daniel and Chad for helping to manage our executive transition seamlessly over the next busy months,” Thomas L. Beckmen said, “as the Board undertakes an international search to identify the LA Phil’s next Chief Executive Officer. Thanks to Daniel’s depth of experience, Chad’s ongoing counsel, the Executive Team’s skillful leadership, and the Board’s guidance, we are able to move forward with gratitude, confidence, and excitement for the future.”

Daniel Song has extensive knowledge of the LA Phil, having begun his career with the organization in 2004 in the areas of philanthropy, artistic planning, and orchestra management. After a period as Vice President and General Manager of the Aspen Music Festival and School, he returned to the LA Phil in 2017 in the role of Vice President, Philharmonic and Production. In this role, he oversaw management of the Orchestra, concert production, stage facilities, touring, and media recordings and projects. In June 2021, Song was named Chief Operating Officer, expanding his portfolio to include operation and stewardship of all four LA Phil venues: Walt Disney Concert Hall, Hollywood Bowl, The Ford, and Beckmen YOLA Center.