SPRINGFIELD – The Springfield Symphony Orchestra announced Wednesday that it has appointed interim executive director Paul Lambert as president and CEO, eliminating Lambert’s interim position.
Lambert joined the Springfield Symphony Orchestra as interim director in January 2022.
He was the vice president of induction services and community engagement at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Lambert said in a statement that he is humbled and honored by the appointment of the orchestra, a longtime client of his, because he recognizes what the orchestra means to the culture of the city and region.
“I am passionate about symphony and it represents all of us who love symphonic music and art,” said Lambert. “A successful Springfield Symphony requires the involvement of the entire community and I welcome this new position in leading the collective efforts to see the SSO succeed.”
Since his appointment, Lambert has overseen the return of the orchestra’s six classical and two pops concerts in the current 2022-23 season, the orchestra said on Wednesday. This is the first season after the pandemic shutdown of over two years.
Tony Falcetti, chairman of the orchestra’s board of directors, said that Lambert energized the symphony while serving in his interim position.
“Paul has demonstrated a commitment and a genuine passion for the symphony,” said Falsetti. “Just as important, Paul respects the community and is uniquely skilled at driving the kind of engagement SSO needs to be successful now and into the future.”
Lambert said, was instrumental in adding new individuals to the board, recruiting key new staff, re-engaging the corporate and philanthropic community, and launching an extensive communications and marketing program to support the current season.
Lambert’s appointment comes at a time when the orchestra’s musicians are without contracts through 2020 and the orchestra broke off talks in June of 2022. The parties are scheduled for a hearing with the National Labor Relations Board in May.
Lambert has expressed optimism that a deal can be done. And this week, Beth Welty, a violinist and head of the orchestra’s committee of musicians, said the musicians work well with Lambert.
“We’re thrilled,” Welty said. “Thrilled for him.”
Lambert replaces interim executive director John Enge, who leaves the Springfield Symphony Orchestra in December 2021.
Anz takes over in April 2021 following the resignation of Susan Beaudry. She was the third executive director of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra since the departure of longtime leader Michael Johns a decade earlier.
Lambert served with the Basketball Hall of Fame for nearly 20 years.
Prior to the Hall of Fame, Lambert served as the Director of Event Production for the NBA, working on the development and execution of live programming, including the “NBA Jam Session” program, several All-Star Games, and international events on the ground. Initiatives and International Programs. Successfully staged numerous initiatives and events in Canada, Mexico and across Europe, Asia and Australia.
Prior to working in the basketball industry, Lambert enjoyed a career in professional theatre, which included roles as general manager of the Cape Playhouse in Dennis for seven years and as executive director of the Westport Country Playhouse in Connecticut. He also served as the production’s stage manager for several years.
Lambert serves on several local boards and community organizations, including the National Conference for Community and Justice, the Loomis Communities, the Cape Cod Center for the Arts, the South Hadley Cultural Council, Longmeadow UNICO, and Springfield Rotary.
He is a graduate of Boston College with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Theater, and lives in South Hadley.
