October 22, 2012 – Los Angeles Philharmonic Association President Deborah Borda has announced the appointment of Gail Samuel to the position of Chief Operating Officer.  In this post, Samuel will oversee operations at the Hollywood Bowl, management of the Philharmonic orchestra, programming of jazz, world music, orchestral pops and pop/rock presentations by the Association at both the Hollywood Bowl and Walt Disney Concert Hall, concert production, public relations and community affairs. Samuel will be a key liaison to the County of Los Angeles.   

“The strength of an institution is its people and in this matter the LA Phil is richly endowed. What a pleasure that this critical position will be filled by an individual who has truly ‘come up through the ranks’ and proven her value in 20 years of service,” says Borda. “Gail Samuel is a consummate professional who brings a remarkable depth of knowledge, skill and experience to her new assignment. On a personal note, our partnership has been a deeply rewarding one for me and I look forward to the opportunity that these new horizons provide for us all.”

 “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to continue my work at this great organization with Deborah Borda, the Board and my amazing colleagues. As a life-long Angeleno, I relish the opportunity to focus on the Hollywood Bowl, an iconic venue I have always loved and which has played such a big part of my life” added Samuel.

Gail Samuel has worked at the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association for 20 years, beginning as Orchestra Manager. Over the course of her career with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Samuel rose through the organization, holding a variety of critical positions during that time. She was promoted to her current position as Vice President and General Manager, Philharmonic and Production in 2007, managing the Orchestra as well as all concert production, touring and media activities. Previously, Samuel has held positions with the Minnesota Orchestra, Yale University, Tanglewood Music Festival and the Young Musicians Foundation. 

Reporting to the President, Samuel succeeds Arvind Manocha on November 19. Manocha, who has been with the Los Angeles Philharmonic since 2001, has accepted a new position as President and CEO of the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts in Virginia. 

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Samuel studied violin and earned undergraduate degrees in music and psychology as well as an MBA from the University of Southern California. Samuel has served on the Board of Councilors for the USC Thornton School of Music since 2009.

Download photograph of Gail Samuel here

The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, under the vibrant leadership of Music Director Gustavo Dudamel, presents an inspiring array of music from all genres – orchestral, chamber and Baroque music, organ and celebrity recitals, new music, jazz, world music and pop – at two of L.A.’s iconic venues, Walt Disney Concert Hall (www.laphil.com ) and the Hollywood Bowl (www.hollywoodbowl.com). The LA Phil’s season at Walt Disney Concert Hall extends from September through May, and throughout the summer at the Hollywood Bowl. With the preeminent Los Angeles Philharmonic at the foundation of its offerings, the LA Phil aims to enrich and transform lives through music, with a robust mix of artistic, education and community programs.