Two weeks from Tulsa, he’s got a grand job

Some will be relieved to learn that Keith C. Elder, who just quit the Tulsa Symphony, has landed safely in Michigan.

Press release:
Grand Rapids, MI – May 2, 2023 – Grand Rapids Symphony Board Chairperson, Renee Tabben, and Music Director, Marcelo Lehninger, are delighted to announce the appointment of Keith C. Elder as the organization’s next President and Chief Executive Officer. Elder will succeed Mary Tuuk Kuras, who retired in December 2022, and will officially begin his tenure on July 1, 2023.

“On behalf of the Search Committee and Board of Directors, I am thrilled to announce that Keith Elder will take the helm of the Grand Rapids Symphony as our new President and CEO,” said Renee Tabben. “His extensive experience and vision will be instrumental in building upon the successes of Mary Tuuk Kuras’s leadership. With Keith’s guidance, we are confident that the Grand Rapids Symphony will continue to thrive by fostering financial sustainability, deep community engagement, innovative programming, meaningful collaborations, and delivering exceptional music experiences to our diverse audiences while maintaining a strong connection with the community.”

Interim President and CEO, Chuck Frayer, will work closely with Elder to ensure a smooth transition, leveraging Elder’s extensive experience in the world of music and arts administration.

The appointment of Keith C. Elder comes after an extensive search process led by Board Chairperson, Renee Tabben, and a search committee comprised of board members, staff, community leaders, and orchestra musicians. The committee engaged Arts Consulting Group (ACG) to conduct a national and international search for the next administrative leader of the Grand Rapids Symphony.