Bombshell: Boston Symphony chief quits
NewsGail Samuel resigned early today as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Boston Symphony Orchestra for reasons that are not being made public. She will leave on January 3.
Samuel, who was previously Chief Operating Officer of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, seemed to be the perfect, experienced, diplomatic successor to Mark Volpe.
But cultural differences between west and and east coast soon became apparent, and frictions surfaced.
We’ll fill you in when we know more.
UPDATE: Board member jumps in
Meanwhile, here’s the stonewalling press release:
BOSTON (December 16, 2022) — The Board of Trustees of the Boston Symphony Orchestra accepted the resignation of Gail Samuel, who announced today that she is stepping down as President and Chief Executive Officer.
Samuel joined the BSO in June 2021, as the organization was staging a decisive return from COVID-19 closures and cancellations during an unprecedented time in its history. Working closely with the Board, Samuel developed and implemented re-opening campaigns for each of the BSO’s premier venues, Tanglewood and Symphony Hall, helping to usher in the return of live audiences and spectacular seasons of performance, with the orchestra achieving critical acclaim. During her tenure, she prioritized engaging broadly across the Boston community and making the BSO a more welcoming place for all, both on- and off-stage. These efforts included launching the Stephen and Susan Paine Resident Fellows, composers speaking from the stage about their works, a spring series of concerts around issues of social justice, and concerts outside of Symphony Hall. Simultaneously, she effectively stabilized the institution’s operating budget and strengthened its financial standing.
“Gail came to the BSO as we were beginning to chart a critical course through the very consequential effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Barbara Hostetter, Chair, Board of Trustees, Boston Symphony Orchestra. “At a time when stabilizing the institution was of paramount priority, Gail was a steadying force. She also led the BSO through a vital turning point of generational change, setting in motion a creative vision that reflects the BSO’s commitment to diversity. As a result of her expertise, broad lens and hard work, the BSO is well positioned to continue with this important progress. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I express my gratitude to Gail and our entire executive team.”
“It was an honor to lead the Boston Symphony Orchestra, one of the world’s most celebrated orchestras, particularly during such a significant time in history,” Samuel said. “When I arrived at the BSO, I was dedicated to re-opening Tanglewood and Symphony Hall, and to increasing creativity at the BSO by welcoming artists to our stages more broadly representing the rich diversity that exists in our city. After navigating the profoundly complicated re-opening matters and having successfully laid the groundwork for continued evolution at the BSO, I have decided to step down. The end of the season and Holiday Pops performances offer a natural time with limited disruption. I hold great pride in all that was accomplished during such a challenging time for the arts and culture sector. I am confident that the work I have done and the tools we put in place will enable future growth and diversity and enrich the BSO’s rich legacy of artistry. I am grateful to the Board of Trustees, the Boston arts and cultural community, and the BSO’s players and staff for the opportunity to positively impact this wonderful institution.”
Samuel’s tenure will conclude on January 3, 2023. She has graciously agreed to provide transition assistance and consulting to the Board as it seeks a successor. The Board of Trustees will discuss plans to begin a search for a new President and Chief Executive Officer at their January 2023 board meeting.
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I hear Mr. Santourian is gone as well.
Good riddance, just the beginning.
What in the world happened? She had just been there for 18 months. We need strong women in these roles and she certainly had a very successful career and seemed like a good pick!
“We need strong women in these roles…” Like Deborah Rutter at the Kennedy Center? Bwahahahaha!
No, like Deborah Borda. Substance, not sex.
“cultural differences between east and west?” Surely you jest, Norman. There may indeed have been “frictions” but likely for other reasons.
“East” versus “West” –no. There are many other reasons for the hasty departure and dropping aahs versus surfs up bro as nothing to do with reality.
Airplane ! (featuring Andris Nelsons as Otto)
Boston has been a mess since Seiji left in 1999. He had been there too long but at least it was steady. Then a “search” which landed on a carpet bagger part-time Levine, then another search and Nelsons, and lord knows what his artistic agenda is (after six years we still don’t know). They have tons of money and no identity.
Riccardo, I don’t know if you live in Boston and hear the BSO regularly. I do, and I strongly disagree with your comments. They strike me frankly as ridiculous.
Andris Nelsons has been a fantastic MD. We’re hearing real artistic growth in his musicianship. The orchestra is consistently playing at a level that is exceptional. We generally hear the best of the other conductors out there, and we enjoyed a fantastic and very long fruitful tenure with the late great Bernard Haitink, which so deeply enriched the orchestra and Boston.
“No identity”? Hmmm…if you feel that artistic excellence and concerts at a very high level, with the best of talent and rarely if ever a program dud, is a lack of identity, then you’re right. But if that’s not what you mean, I have no idea what you could possibly be saying. The BSO performs at a very high level for those who hear it regularly. There’s very little that needs to be changed.
The bottom line: We are so fortunate to have this great orchestra, and this incredible hall, right here in Boston.
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
I love your use of “carpet bagger”. Exactly who among modern conductors–symphonic or opera–is not a carpet bagger? It is the profession’s business model.
Agreed.
Yes. That’s why we need to bring back good leadership-like Ronnie Feldman, Norm Bolter, and Chuck Kavalovski. Both no nonsense, no PC bs, and integrity.
I grew up with the Boston Symphony. I had high hopes Ms. Samuel could stay a long time and persevere through what appears to be an entrenched and difficult Board of Trustees. Now we can hope the orchestra will have the right interim leadership to right the ship. Sounds like it and best to him to elevate the operations and atmosphere from the board. The orchestra has a fine music director who sends you stay positive. Between the Boston fall season, the two Pops seasons, and Tanglewood Festival, they could trim some concerts off the schedule somewhere. Too much work. Too frenetic. At least they have a fine music director now. The orchestra could dump their radio affiliate or at least the announcer. I did hope Ms Samuel would bring more varied programming in their concerts. Best to the organization as it goes through they another transition.
Samuel’s predecessor was in office for nearly a quarter of a century. I did not know what he looked like, or sounded like, which seems to say something about the stability of this organization, whose budget in the United States is exceeded only by the Met in New York. I have commented on this before, but in what universe does an orchestra whose formerly loyal audience is returning only slowly after Covid (this is based on my own observation) program two – out of a mere 22 – complete subscription weeks of music composed and led entirely by African-American composers? This is a solution in search of a problem. If anyone thinks this is racist, look up Massachusetts on Wikipedia and check the demographics.
You are spot on. Mass is WASP land. There are very, VERY few blacks that live in and around Boston-except for a few areas. Everything appears to be dominated by this “diversity” thing being lectured,/talked down to etc at concerts. Add in the mask obsessions and requiring corona papers for entry, many patrons are now former patrons. However, most of the “trustees” “leaders” and other “administrivia” will likely be clueless as to why such anemic audiences and lagging support. Mirror, mirror.
“program two – out of a mere 22 – complete subscription weeks of music composed and led entirely by African-American composers? This is a solution in search of a problem”
That’s the problem. Reminds us of a former principal clarinetist who was fired by the awake bullies, and a bunch of orchestra industry bureaucrats jumping on board with. the latest virtue signaling trend. That story is well known amongst those with a working brainstem.
Not surprising. More to come. They reap what they sow.
What a photo. She looks SO American.
Spot on, thought exactly the same-USian
Now a person’s ethnicity is their fault?
@Tired: Why the offence-seek? Just saying she looks REALLY American.
Tiredofitall has trouble understanding sarcasm.
@Hayne: You’re right.
She “resigned”? And I suppose that bridge in Brooklyn is still for sale? I was born at night, but not last night…
Gail deserves a better spot than she landed at BSO. I hope she’ll come back to LA.