Chad Smith — Los Angeles Philharmonic Association

Chief Executive

THE LATEST: The Los Angeles Philharmonic was forced to cancel the majority of its concerts through June 2021 because of the pandemic, including the loss of an entire summer season last year at the Hollywood Bowl. However, the LA Phil has offered a host of digital programming, including episodes of Sound/Stage, a series of short concert films recorded at the Bowl. In mid-May, the LA Phil reopened the Hollywood Bowl with a free concert for frontline health workers.
BACKGROUND: Smith began his career in 2000 at the New World Symphony, where he worked with conductor Michael Tilson Thomas. He joined the LA Phil in 2002. After serving as the New York Philharmonic’s head artistic planner, Smith returned to the LA Phil in 2006 as vice president of artistic planning, a position he held until being named chief operating officer in 2015. In 2019, Smith was named chief executive of the LA Phil. A trustee of the New England Conservatory, he also serves on the advisory board of the Music Academy of the West and is a member of the Avery Fisher Artist Program’s executive committee. Smith earned a BA in European history from Tufts University as well as bachelor’s and master’s degrees in vocal performance from the New England Conservatory.
YEARS ON THE LA500: 2
Return to the 2021 edition of the LA500.