Ojai Music Festival names artistic director for 2020 and beyond

Chad Smith, chief operating officer of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, will begin a three-year term as artistic director of the Ojai Music Festival in 2020.

He will succeed Thomas W. Morris, who will retire after the 73rd festival in 2019. Morris will have served 16 years in the position.

Smith will continue to serve with the L.A. Philharmonic during his time with the Ojai Music Festival. He will work closely with Matthias Pintscher, who will serve as the Ojai Music Festival’s music director in 2020.

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“For nearly 75 years, the Ojai Music Festival has been Southern California’s home for the most probing, adventurous, and visionary musicians, and I couldn’t be more excited to be joining this organization as its next artistic director,” Smith stated in a news release announcing his appointment. “I first experienced the unique spirit of Ojai in 2001, when Esa-Pekka Salonen was the Festival’s music director. I was struck by the uncompromising programming, the incredibly devoted and informed audience, and the pure joy in the performances emanating from the Libbey Bowl. In that weekend, in that first experience with Ojai, I came to understand the special nature of making music in this part of the world, and I was hooked.”

Festival board Chair David Nygren said he was honored to welcome Smith to the “Ojai family.”

“Chad’s depth of experience and artistic sensibilities are in perfect alignment with where the Festival is today as we approach our 75th anniversary celebration in 2021 and 2022, and as we look toward the future,” Nygren said. 

The 72nd Ojai Music Festival is set for June 7-10 and will include concerts, free community events and gatherings. For more information, visit ojaifestival.org.