Grand Rapids Symphony Announces Keith C. Elder as New President and CEO

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GRAND RAPIDS SYMPHONY ANNOUNCES
KEITH C. ELDER AS NEW PRESIDENT AND CEO

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.

"I am deeply honored to assume the role of President and CEO of the Grand Rapids Symphony, an organization with an outstanding legacy of artistic achievements, education, and community engagement,” said Mr. Elder. “I eagerly anticipate becoming an active member of the Grand Rapids community and joining the Grand Rapids Symphony family. I look forward to fostering strong relationships with all Symphony stakeholders, including our patrons, supporters, and partners, as we work together to further the Symphony's mission.

“In collaboration with the exceptional staff, board, trustees, and orchestra musicians of the Grand Rapids Symphony, I am committed to ensuring that we continue to provide transformative musical experiences for our audiences and contribute positively to the cultural fabric of the city. My goal is not only to maintain the high standards set by my predecessor, Mary Tuuk Kuras, but also to explore new opportunities for growth, collaboration, and innovation, enhancing the Symphony's impact on the lives of the people of Grand Rapids.

“As we embark on this exciting journey together, I pledge to work tirelessly to uphold the organization's values and to make a meaningful and lasting contribution to the vibrant cultural landscape of Grand Rapids."

Elder brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the Grand Rapids Symphony from his time with the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Prior to his position in Tulsa, he held various roles at renowned institutions such as the Aspen Music Festival and School, Eastman School of Music, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Boston Pops, and Tanglewood Music Center.

"I am absolutely delighted to welcome Keith Elder as the new President and CEO of the Grand Rapids Symphony," said Marcelo Lehninger. "Having had the pleasure of meeting Keith many years ago while I was the Associate Conductor at the Boston Symphony and recently working with him as a guest conductor at the Tulsa Symphony, I can attest to his exceptional leadership skills, dedication to the arts, and deep understanding of the needs and challenges of a symphony orchestra. As our previous collaborations have been incredibly fruitful, I eagerly anticipate working closely with Keith once again as we chart a new and exciting course for the Grand Rapids Symphony."

Elder is a distinguished member of the bar of the United States Supreme Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the State of New York. He holds a BS in music and arts administration from Indiana University, with concentrations in tuba and technical theater, and a JD from New England Law.

During his tenure as Executive Director and CEO of the Tulsa Symphony, Elder oversaw numerous high-profile performances featuring world-renowned guest artists like Yefim Bronfman, Wynton Marsalis, Lawrence Brownlee, Ryan Speedo Green, The Eagles, and Sarah Coburn. He also developed and oversaw the Tulsa Symphony's first holiday television special "A Hometown Holiday" and successfully executed a safe and responsible open-air concert during the COVID pandemic, which was the first of its kind for over 1,000 people. In 2020, he was honored as Tulsan of the Year by TulsaWorld for his exceptional vision and leadership during the challenging times of the pandemic.

The Grand Rapids Symphony eagerly anticipates the arrival of Keith Elder and his wife, Felicia, and looks forward to his contributions as President and CEO. His expertise, passion, and experience will undoubtedly usher in a new and exciting era for the organization and the community it serves.

About the Grand Rapids Symphony
Organized in 1930, the Grand Rapids Symphony is nationally recognized for the quality of its concerts, the breadth of its educational programs, and the innovation of its initiatives to support diversity, equity and inclusion as well as to serve the wider community in non-traditional settings. Led by Music Director Marcelo Lehninger, Principal Pops Conductor Bob Bernhardt, and Assistant Conductor Duo Shen, West Michigan’s largest performing arts organization is affiliated with the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus, the Grand Rapids Youth Symphony, and the Grand Rapids Bach Festival. GRS collaborates annually with Opera Grand Rapids and Grand Rapids Ballet and biennially with the Gilmore Piano Festival in Kalamazoo.