Volpe Discusses 23 Years Leading Boston Symphony Orchestra Before 2021 Retirement

This week, Boston Symphony Orchestra President and CEO Mark Volpe announced he will step down at the end of February 2021. He oversees the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Boston Pops Orchestra, and Tanglewood, as well as the orchestra’s real estate holdings in Boston and the Berkshires. Volpe previously held leadership positions with orchestras in Baltimore, Minneapolis, and Detroit over his 37-year career.  During his tenure, the Lenox, Massachusetts campus of Tanglewood extended its schedule into a full-season program for the first time. He also led the organization as it dealt with the fallout of sexual misconduct allegations against former music director James Levine. Volpe spoke with WAMC about what he’ll carry with him from the experience, and what it’s like to lead an orchestra for 23 years.