New Executive Director

photo: Dave Jamrog

Emmanuel Music, a cornerstone of Boston’s classical music scene, renowned for its interpretations of Bach and commitment to contemporary works, announces the appointment of Vanessa Holroyd as its new Executive Director. Holroyd will assume the role fully on August 1.

Vanessa brings to Emmanuel Music over 20 years of experience in arts administration with a proven track record of multifaceted and interdisciplinary arts management. As the former co-owner of Music Management, Inc. and founder and Music Director for the chamber music collective Anima, Vanessa has spent two decades curating entertainment programs for high-profile events nationally. Vanessa has also served as the Vice-President of the board for the Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music in New Hampshire.

Emmanuel Music is especially excited about this appointment as Vanessa has been a long-time musician with the orchestra, regularly serving as principal flute and soloist for the past 15 years. We look forward to continuing and deepening our relationship with Vanessa through her work as our new Executive Director.

"We are thrilled to welcome Vanessa to Emmanuel Music in this new role as our administrative leader. She brings excellent strategic thinking and a sense of mission to her work. Her deep understanding of the arts landscape, coupled with her visionary leadership and passion for music, make her the ideal person to lead Emmanuel Music into our next chapter."

Dana Whiteside
President of the Emmanuel Music Board of Directors

“I am so excited to partner and dream with Vanessa! She brings the perfect blend of acute, firsthand knowledge of Emmanuel Music's culture of musical excellence and community, along with tremendous vision.”

Ryan Turner
Artistic Director of Emmanuel Music

“Emmanuel Music holds a unique and vital place in the cultural life of Boston. I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to collaborate with our exceptional staff, musicians, and board to build upon its rich legacy and explore new artistic horizons. I look forward to engaging with the community to ensure the continued success and vibrancy of this remarkable institution."

The appointment of Vanessa Holroyd follows a comprehensive search process. She succeeds Jaclyn Dentino, who steered the organization through the pandemic, as well as Pat Krol, who led the organization for over a decade prior and coordinated Emmanuel Music’s relationships with Tanglewood and BachFest Leipzig.

A public reception to welcome Vanessa will be held following the first cantata of the 2025/26 season on Sunday, September 21, 2025. Further details will be announced on Emmanuel Music’s website.

Celebrate Vanessa's appointment with your support of Emmanuel Music.

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