Portland Symphony names its next executive director

Carolyn Nishon and Derek Beckvold side by side portraits.

Photos / Tim Greenway and Courtesy / Portland Symphony Orchestra Carolyn Nishon, left, will pass the baton as executive director of the Portland Symphony Orchestra to Derek Beckvold.

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By Renee Cordes

Following a nationwide search, the Portland Symphony Orchestra has found its next executive director only about 100 miles away.

Derek Beckvold, managing director of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra for more than a year, will start part-time in Portland on Oct. 1 and full-time two weeks later, according to a spokeswoman for the PSO. He will lead a staff of 18 full-time and two part-time employees.

He succeeds Carolyn Nishon, who held the role for a decade and was recognized as a Mainebiz 40 Under 40 honoree in 2022, to lead the nonprofit for the orchestra’s upcoming 101st season. Nishon announced her resignation in February.

With the award-winning Boston Philharmonic since 2017, Beckvold also served as that organization’s development director and education and community engagement manager. He is also the co-founder of Teach To Learn, a global education nonprofit that has supported more than 5,000 musicians across 43 countries and has performed and taught music around the world.

“Derek’s international perspective, his proven record of innovative leadership and his passion for education and community engagement stood out in an exceptionally strong pool of candidates," said Vicki Gordon, chair of the board of trustees and a member of the executive search committee. “We are confident he will lead the PSO to new heights.”

Eckart Preu, the orchestra’s music director, said that Beckvold’s “commitment to education and access to music makes him a perfect partner as we continue to grow the PSO’s artistic and community impact.”

‘Innovative future'

In his LinkedIn profile, Beckvold calls himself a social entrepreneur, arts administrator, educator, multi-instrumentalist performing musician, composer and conductor, and underscores his commitment to learning and internalizing many styles of music from around the world.

Beckvold holds a bachelor’s degree from the New England Conservatory of Music and an MBA in Arts Innovation from the Global Leaders Institute.

He was a Fulbright-Nehru Scholar in India and is a graduate of the Essentials of Orchestra Management program through the League of American Orchestras and Juilliard.

Beckvold said he is energized by the opportunity to help shape the PSO’s next century.

“This orchestra is a cultural cornerstone for Portland and for all of Maine,” he said. “I look forward to working with the musicians, board, staff and community to expand our impact, welcome new audiences and ensure a bright, innovative future for the next 100 years of music-making.”

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