Daniel Song to Serve as Interim CEO of the Los Angeles Philharmonic

Song, the current COO, replaces Chad Smith, who is departing for the Boston Symphony

The Los Angeles Philharmonic has recently announced that its Chief Operating Officer, Daniel Song, will serve as the orchestra's interim Chief Executive Officer while they conduct a search for a permanent hire.

The appointment came following news that the orchestra's previous CEO, Chad Smith, was departing to run the Boston Symphony. Smith had spent 21 years working with the LA Phil, including as Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Artistic Planning.

Smith's decision to leave Los Angeles came not long after it was announced that the orchestra's Music Director, Gustavo Dudamel, would step down from LA to lead the New York Philharmonic in 2026.

Daniel Song also has extensive experience with the LA Phil. He came to the organization in 2004, working in philanthropy, artistic planning, and orchestra management, and returned in 2014 in a more senior role following a stint at the Aspen Music Festival and School.

"We are grateful to Daniel and Chad for helping to manage our executive transition seamlessly over the next busy months, as the Board undertakes an international search to identify the LA Phil’s next Chief Executive Officer," said Thomas L. Beckmen, the Chair of the LA Phil's Board of Directors.

"Thanks to Daniel’s depth of experience, Chad’s ongoing counsel, the Executive Team’s skillful leadership, and the Board’s guidance, we are able to move forward with gratitude, confidence, and excitement for the future."