Boston's H+H Society Names Prez

Lecolion Washington, Jr. will succeed David Snead as president and CEO of the Handel and Haydn Society as of August 1. Snead retired in May of 2025. Washington, executive director of the Community Music Center of Boston (CMCB) was a 2026 Musical America Professional of the Year.

CMCB is the largest external provider of arts education to the Boston Public Schools serving thousands of students of all ages, with links to schools, nursing homes, hospitals, and community centers. Washington's eight-year tenure has seen a 200 percent growth in net assets and the Center’s first permanent home in Boston’s Roxbury Cultural District.

Prior to his work in Boston, Washington was a tenured bassoon professor at the University of Memphis and co-founder and executive director of the PRIZM Ensemble and the PRIZM International Chamber Music Festival in Memphis. He has also served as a consultant for orchestras around the country, most recently for the Cincinnati Symphony and Nashville Symphony Orchestra.

“The Search Committee was unanimously and extremely impressed with Lecolion’s broad range of experience, both as a respected arts leader and as an accomplished musician with global recognition,” said Board Chair Judith Verhave. She called his background “unique.”

Washington said he was impressed with the H+H Orchestra and Chorus and its board's commitment to broadening its audience. “I have devoted my entire career to opening and expanding pathways into music,” he said, noting how he was looking forward to working with H+H Artistic Director Jonathan Cohen, its musicians, board, staff, and audiences near and far.