Keith Elder named VP, GM of Aspen Music Festival and School

Aspen Music Festival and School has hired Keith Elder as vice president and general manager.

Aspen Music Festival and School President and CEO Alan Fletcher made the announcement Thursday.

Elder comes from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where he was director of concert activities and artistic and executive director of presentations. Prior to that, he was vice president of operations at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and held various positions over 18 years at the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Boston Pops and Tanglewood Music Center. He holds a Bachelor of Science in music and arts administration from Indiana University (concentrations in tuba and technical theater) and a juris doctor from New England Law.

“Keith brings deep knowledge and experience in both music education and performance and in running another internationally important music festival,” Fletcher said in a statement. “As a musician himself, he has appreciation and passion for the art form. At the same time, he has remarkable leadership and communication skills. I’m pleased that he will be joining the Aspen team and know he will make many important contributions to our continued success.”

Said Elder: “I’m looking forward to being a part of this institution that plays a leadership role in the international music industry. I have long admired the Aspen festival and its consummate musicians and look forward to our important work together.”

The Aspen Leadership Group provided assistance in the search.

Elder will move to Aspen with his wife Felicia and two dogs and start his new position Jan. 23.

He replaces Daniel Song, who accepted a position last month as general manager of the San Diego Symphony.