Anwar Nasir — a celebrated leader at the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Hollywood Bowl, Omaha Symphony, and Atlanta Ballet and a coveted speaker at national arts and music conferences—has been named executive director of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, effective July 19. 

Anwar Nasir

The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra has expressed enthusiasm for Nasir’s appointment: “We are thrilled to have Anwar join the LPO, bringing with him an impressive track record of audience development and a bold vision for the orchestra’s role in the community,” states Board President Dwight McGhee. “The LPO has found creative ways to keep the music playing over the last year, and we were looking for an equally creative leader to take us into the future. Anwar’s artistic imagination and entrepreneurial spirit make him the right choice for the LPO.”

Nasir will become the only Black executive director of a major American classical orchestra, and one of only a handful of Black leaders for classical orchestras of any size.

In his new role, Nasir intends to fulfill the LPO’s longstanding mission of transforming people and communities through music, while helping to craft the next stage in the organization’s growth. With the LPO’s collaborative governance model, he will work closely with the musicians, board of directors, Music Director Carlos Miguel Prieto, and staff to deepen organizational capacity, attract resources and funding, and ensure ongoing relevance and sustainability. His overarching goal will be to increase the visibility and impact of the LPO’s artistic and education programs in the broader community.

For more information on the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and upcoming performances, please visit the orchestra’s website here. To learn more about Mr. Nasir’s professional achievements, check out his biography here.