The classical music community is mourning the unexpected death of Asadour Santourian, a respected arts administrator and educator whose career included leadership roles with some of the most prominent musical institutions in the United States. He was 68.
Santourian was known internationally for his work in artistic administration and planning. He served as vice president of the Tanglewood Music Center and Tanglewood Learning Institute, a position he held for approximately ten months before resigning in December 2022.
His tenure at Tanglewood came during a turbulent period for the organization. Santourian was hired by Boston Symphony Orchestra president Gail Samuel and later faced allegations of bullying. According to reports at the time, an investigation into those allegations was ultimately abandoned following his departure. Santourian resigned during the same week as Samuel, amid broader concerns surrounding the institution’s administration.
Despite the controversy surrounding his brief time at Tanglewood, Santourian’s professional career extended across decades and included significant contributions to the development and presentation of classical music.
Before joining Tanglewood, he served as vice president of artistic administration at the Aspen Music Festival and School and held a position as director of artistic planning at the Minnesota Orchestra. His career also included educational work with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, where he worked alongside Samuel.
At the time of his death, Santourian was serving as interim executive director of the Rogue Valley Symphony in Oregon. His continued involvement in the arts demonstrated his longstanding commitment to orchestral music, artistic programming, and education.
Colleagues and members of the music community are now remembering Santourian’s extensive career and the influence he had on institutions, musicians, students, and audiences throughout his professional life.
His unexpected death represents a significant loss to those who knew him personally and professionally. While his career included periods of controversy and difficult institutional circumstances, his decades of work in classical music remain an important part of his professional legacy.
As news of his passing spreads, condolences are being extended to Santourian’s family, friends, former colleagues, musicians, educators, and others who worked with him throughout his career.
During this difficult time, those mourning his death are reflecting on his contributions to the musical world and the many people he encountered during his years in arts administration.
Our deepest condolences go to Asadour Santourian’s family and loved ones. May they find comfort in cherished memories and in the lasting impact of his work.