Thomas W Morris

Thomas W. Morris is recognized as one of the most innovative leaders in the orchestra industry and served as the long-time executive director of The Cleveland Orchestra from 1987 to 2004. Prior to that, he served in various executive capacities, including General Manager, of the Boston Symphony Orchestra from 1969 to 1986. Mr. Morris served as artistic director of the Ojai Music Festival from 2004 to 2019. He was one of three founding partners of Spring for Music, an innovative orchestra...See more

Thomas W. Morris is recognized as one of the most innovative leaders in the orchestra industry and served as the long-time executive director of The Cleveland Orchestra from 1987 to 2004. Prior to that, he served in various executive capacities, including General Manager, of the Boston Symphony Orchestra from 1969 to 1986. Mr. Morris served as artistic director of the Ojai Music Festival from 2004 to 2019. He was one of three founding partners of Spring for Music, an innovative orchestra festival held at Carnegie Hall from 2011 to 2014 and aimed at attracting new and younger audiences through low ticket prices and creativity in programming. Mr. Morris is active nationally and internationally as a consultant, lecturer, teacher, and writer. He has just finished a book about the state of the musical world and orchestras, to be published in fall 2024. A native of Rochester, New York, Mr. Morris studied at the Eastman School of Music, and holds a B.A. degree from Princeton University and an M.B.A. from the Wharton School of Finance and Commerce. He currently serves on the board of the Interlochen Center for the Arts. See less