Los Angeles Chamber O Names New Executive Director

Ben Cadwallader, executive director of the Vermont Symphony since 2015, is to take the executive helm of The Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra starting in March. He succeeds Scott Harrison, who left after four years in the job. Cadwallader's hiring caps a six-month search.

A onetime oboe player with a degree from Mannes College at the New School, he previously worked at the Los Angeles Philharmonic as manager of education and composer fellowship programs.

In comments, LACO Board Chair Leslie Lassiter called her new hire “one of classical music’s rising leaders,” noting his “infectious energy, passion for classical music, innovative strategies, and exceptional leadership abilities.”  

In Vermont, Cadwallader is credited with revitalizing the 86-year-old organization (he succeeded an individual who had been in the job for 16 years). At the time of his arrival, he told the local media that "he wanted to take risky moves…[that] would tap into new audiences.” Apparently, he was successful in his plan.

LACO Music Director Jaime Martín is also relatively new to the organization.