Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras (BYSO) is thrilled to welcome Keith C. Elder as our new President and Chief Executive Officer, marking an exciting new chapter in the organization’s history.
Elder’s appointment feels especially meaningful to the BYSO community not only because of his strategic leadership experience, but also because he is a BYSO alum from 1988! BYSO Music Director Federico Cortese describes Elder as “a musician, a leader, and an advocate for young artists,” and together they’re excited to continue building on BYSO’s commitment to access, excellence, and bold programming.
Welcoming Elder back, Margaret Chen, Chair of the BYSO Board of Directors, says, “His history with BYSO, his love of Boston, and his deep connection to the city’s arts community are incredible assets for our organization.” Keith’s return is truly a full-circle moment and a testament to the lasting impact of BYSO’s work in music, education, and community.
As Elder steps into this role, we are excited to introduce him more personally to our community through a Q&A. In this short interview, Elder reflects on his journey from BYSO student to President and CEO, the experiences that have shaped his leadership, and his vision for the future of music education at BYSO.
Keith C. Elder: “I was an athlete-turned-trumpet player—an admittedly terrible trumpet player—who eventually turned to the tuba. Music opened doors for me, helping me earn scholarships and attend Indiana University. I am the first person in my family to go to college, and I was incredibly fortunate to have a family who supported my musical journey every step of the way. Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras (BYSO), formerly known as the Greater Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra (GBYSO), was what I would call the springboard that allowed me to see the wider world of music.”
Keith C. Elder: “I had a strong music background in high school, but starting at BYSO was a different level entirely. Going from BYSO to Indiana University was yet another step up. Having the opportunity to work for the Boston Symphony Orchestra was incredibly important to me because it opened doors and opportunities I never would have had otherwise. Thanks to music, I’ve lived in many different states and traveled across the world. You’ll notice I’m not talking about a single moment or concert—I’m talking about how BYSO, as a whole, changed my viewpoint and outlook on life.
Keith C. Elder: “BYSO has been a major pillar in my life. I grew up in a blue-collar family that didn’t know much about classical music, yet they came to every rehearsal and every concert. They listened to everything. They drove me here every Sunday. BYSO didn’t just change my life—it changed my family’s life. It has been a thread throughout my life, and I’m really excited for this next stage.
Coming back to BYSO is incredibly special. This is an exciting time for the organization. The past 25 years have been marked by tremendous growth and outstanding leadership—huge shoes to fill. The impact this organization has on the region, not just in Boston, is phenomenal. As the new President and CEO, my goal is to continue that growth, and that is incredibly exciting. It truly feels like coming home.”
Keith C. Elder: Practice—but my real message is to enjoy BYSO while you’re in it. It will follow you forever. You’re building friendships, community, and shaping yourself for the years ahead. These are skills you’ll use long after you leave this organization, and these are memories you’ll return to during tough times—thinking back on the joy and experiences you had here.
Keith C. Elder: Exciting, energetic, and fabulous.
Keith C. Elder brings a wealth of expertise to his role as an accomplished leader in strategic thinking and arts administration. Immediately prior to joining the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Grand Rapids Symphony, where he provided executive leadership for one of the nation’s leading regional orchestras and advanced its artistic, financial, and community-focused initiatives. Previously, Elder served as Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra. During his tenure, he demonstrated exemplary leadership in charting the organization’s path forward amid the COVID-19 pandemic, including the execution of the symphony’s first holiday television special, A Hometown Holiday. He maintained the symphony’s artistic standards of excellence, overseeing high-profile performances by guest artists such as Yefim Bronfman, Wynton Marsalis, Lawrence Brownlee, Ryan Speedo Green, The Eagles, and Sarah Coburn. In recognition of his dedication to and impact on the Tulsa community, Elder was named Tulsan of the Year by the Tulsa World in 2020.
Prior to his role in Tulsa, Elder held positions at several renowned institutions, including the Aspen Music Festival and School, Eastman School of Music, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Boston Pops, and Tanglewood Music Center. He is a distinguished member of the bar of the United States Supreme Court, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the State of New York. Elder holds a Bachelor of Science in Music and Arts Administration from Indiana University, with concentrations in tuba and technical theater, and a Juris Doctor from New England School of Law.