Handel and Haydn Society Names Lecolion Washington, Jr. as Next President and CEO

The Handel and Haydn Society (H+H) announced the appointment of Lecolion Washington, Jr. as the storied ensemble's next Philip and Marjorie Gerdine President and CEO, effective August 1, 2026.

Washington, a visionary leader and world-renowned musician, currently serves as the Executive Director of the Community Music Center of Boston (CMCB), providing equitable access to music education and arts experiences for students of all ages. He succeeds David Snead, who retired in May 2025. The comprehensive, international executive search process was guided by Arts Consulting Group and included members of the H+H Orchestra and Chorus, administration team, Board of Governors and Board of Advisors, and H+H Artistic Director Jonathan Cohen. 

“The Search Committee was unanimously and extremely impressed with Lecolion's broad range of experience, both as a respected arts leader and as an accomplished musician with global recognition,” said Judith Verhave, Chair of the Board. “The Board of Governors also voted unanimously to approve his appointment—a testament to the extraordinary confidence this organization has in his vision. His unique background will strengthen H+H, ensuring we are positioned for future generations. We could not be more thrilled to welcome him onboard.”

Washington will oversee the strategic, business, and artistic vision of H+H. This includes performances by the renowned H+H Orchestra and Chorus at Boston's Symphony Hall and NEC's Jordan Hall, national and international touring, the activities of H+H's Learning Department including eight youth choruses, community outreach, and business development.

“I was immediately impressed with the artistic excellence of the H+H Orchestra and Chorus and with the board's commitment to inviting and welcoming not only those who are current subscribers of H+H, but also those who have yet to experience this wonderful institution,” said Washington. “I have devoted my entire career to opening and expanding pathways into music, and I look forward to partnering with Artistic Director Jonathan Cohen, H+H's extraordinary musicians, the Board, and administrative team to share our music with audiences in Boston and beyond.”

During his nine-year tenure at CMCB, Washington oversaw a 200% growth in net assets and led a successful capital campaign to secure the organization's first permanent home in Boston's Roxbury Cultural District. Prior to his work in Boston, he served as a tenured bassoon professor at the University of Memphis and served as co-founder and executive director of the PRIZM Ensemble and the PRIZM International Chamber Music Festival in Memphis. He has also served as a consultant for orchestras around the country, most recently for the Cincinnati Symphony and Nashville Symphony Orchestra.

“On behalf of the musicians of H+H, I look forward to working with Lecolion,” said Jonathan Cohen, H+H Artistic Director. “His commitment to artistic excellence and innovation makes him the ideal partner to lead H+H into its next chapter.”

As an award-winning bassoonist, Washington has performed throughout the world and as a soloist and principal player with ensembles including Orpheus Chamber Orchestra (New York), Sphinx Symphony Orchestra (Detroit), Landmarks Orchestra (Boston), Memphis Symphony, Reno Philharmonic, and many others. His professional accolades include being named a Musical America Top Professional of the Year (2019 and 2025) and a Boston HUBWeek “Change Maker."

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