BSO Appoints Executives

Maureen Flores, as Chief Development Officer, Asadour Santourian, as Vice President

By: BSO - Jan 07, 2022

 

Gail Samuel, Eunice and Julian Cohen President and CEO of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, today announced the appointment of two new executive leaders Maureen Flores, as Chief Development Officer, and Asadour Santourian, as Vice President, Tanglewood Music Center & Learning. Both appointments are effective January 2022.

Flores is arriving at the BSO from Bentley University, where she most recently served as Vice President for Advancement. Flores will lead the BSO’s philanthropic efforts, fostering an ethos of partnership among board and staff on all development initiatives. Through collaboration across the organization, Flores will conceptualize, organize, and implement a comprehensive and strategic fundraising program in support of the BSO’s mission and vision for the future.

Santourian is joining the BSO from the acclaimed Aspen Music Festival and School, where he served for 18 years as Vice President for Artistic Administration and Artistic Advisor. At the BSO, Santourian will leverage his deep experience mentoring artists to the BSO’s programs in support of the next generation of musicians. Leading all of the BSO’s training, education, and community programs, Santourian will focus on expanding broader representation through wide-ranging partnerships and collaborations. "I am thrilled to welcome Maureen and Asadour to the BSO executive team. They each bring a wealth of experience to the organization as we seek to expand the orchestra’s relevance and impact in our community and beyond," said Samuel. "Maureen and Asadour are proven leaders with demonstrated talent and deep expertise in their respective fields, and they join the passionate BSO staff, dedicated to the orchestra’s future."

Flores joined Bentley University in 2014 as associate vice president for development and was named vice president for advancement in 2017. In this role, she oversaw all fundraising programs, alumni engagement and advancement communications, as well as the Pulsifer Career Development Center. Prior to Bentley, Flores held several senior leadership positions in higher education advancement, including at Fordham University, Harvard University, and the University of Cincinnati. Learn more about Flores here.

"The impressive ongoing work and extended reach of the BSO is a vital example of industry leadership and dedication to vibrant future chapters of the field of classical music," said Flores. "I look forward to working collaboratively to support the orchestra’s remarkable mission and to build on a solid foundation that takes the organization to even greater heights."

In Aspen, Santourian programmed seasons based around annual themes, created programs to support emerging artists, and had deep engagement in diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Prior to Aspen, he served in senior artistic leadership roles at the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, the Gergiev Festival, and the Minnesota Orchestra, among others. Learn more about Santourian here.

"The BSO is a world-class institution with remarkable assets that put education and engagement at the center of the arts experience," said Santourian. "I am honored to join Gail, Andris Nelsons, the executive leadership team, staff, and musicians in advancing the orchestra’s multi-level education platforms and providing focused support to the next generation of musicians."

Samuel became President and CEO of the Boston Symphony Orchestra in June 2021. She leads the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Pops, and Tanglewood, and their robust slate of programs and initiatives. Learn more about Gail Samuel here.