Carolyn Keurajian named Executive Director of Charlottesville Symphony Society

June 4, 2025

The Charlottesville Symphony Society Names Carolyn Keurajian as Executive Director

Carolyn Keurajian will succeed Janet Kaltenbach, who has led CSS with distinction for more than 16 years.

Charlottesville, VA – The Charlottesville Symphony Society (CSS) is proud to announce the appointment of Carolyn Keurajian as Executive Director. The appointment follows an extensive national search and marks an exciting new chapter for CSS and the Charlottesville Symphony, now celebrating 50 years of stellar musicmaking and deep commitments to the Charlottesville and University of Virginia communities. Carolyn Keurajian is a respected arts administrator and strategic leader with more than 12 years of executive leadership experience in the orchestral and nonprofit sectors. She currently serves as President & CEO of The Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra in Williamsburg, VA.

“We are thrilled to welcome Carolyn Keurajian as the new Executive Director of the Charlottesville Symphony Society,” said Mary Buckle Searle, President of the CSS Board of Directors and Co-Chair of the Executive Director search committee. “Carolyn brings a wealth of experience in arts leadership, a deep passion for symphonic music, and boundless energy.  Her vision and expertise will be instrumental in advancing our mission to engage and inspire audiences through exceptional musical experiences, imaginative community collaboration, and inspiring education programs.”

Benjamin Rous, Music Director of the Charlottesville Symphony, added “I couldn’t be more thrilled with the prospect of our next era working with Carolyn. Having recently worked with her, I know her to be an exceptional combination of knowledge and poise. She is quick on her feet and passionate about music.  The Charlottesville Symphony is lucky to enter our next era with such superb leadership.”

Keurajian’s diverse career spans arts education, event production, marketing, and corporate sales, enabling her to bring a multifaceted, mission-driven approach to nonprofit leadership. She joined The Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra (WSO) as President and CEO in 2013 and she has guided the organization through a period of remarkable growth and innovation. Keurajian has held other leadership roles at Musicians in the Making, Jack Morton Worldwide, and Up with People.  She is a sought-after speaker on arts management and has held leadership and advisory positions with the League of American Orchestras and Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce.  She is a guest lecturer at the College of William & Mary.

“I am deeply honored to join the Charlottesville Symphony Society as its next Executive Director and am committed to artistic excellence in creating and supporting shared musical experiences and collaborations to inspire audiences and musicians alike. I look forward to working with the talented staff, musicians, UVA community, and patrons as we launch into the next chapter of the organization’s history.”

Keurajian joins the Charlottesville Symphony Society at a pivotal moment in its 50-year history as the Charlottesville Symphony prepares for strategic growth and continued success. Janet Kaltenbach has led the CSS with distinction for more than 16 years and leaves the organization artistically ambitious and fiscally strong.

Keurajian holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business from the University of Puget Sound.  She studied music at the University of North Texas and performed in ensembles throughout the New York area.  Carolyn and her husband, Richard, are the proud parents of three grown children, including a recent graduate of the University of Virginia.

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ABOUT THE CHARLOTTESVILLE SYMPHONY SOCIETY

The Charlottesville Symphony Society (CSS) engages audiences of all ages in Charlottesville and beyond through exceptional musical experiences, imaginative community collaborations, and inspiring education programs, independently and in partnership with the Charlottesville Symphony at the University of Virginia (UVA).  A primary focus is providing most of the orchestra’s financial, marketing, and administrative support.

Known as one of Virginia’s leading musical ensembles, the Charlottesville Symphony has been a source of tremendous civic pride and an emblem of the bond between university and community.  The 2024/2025 season served as a year-long celebration of the orchestra’s 50-year history as the organization looks ahead to a bright future.

Charlottesville Symphony Principal members are professional musicians, most of whom are UVA music faculty; accomplished community members; and auditioned university students from a wide range of academic backgrounds.  Admired for his dynamism on the podium, Benjamin Rous has served as Music Director of the Charlottesville Symphony since 2017. 

For more information:

https://cvillesymphony.org/