The Aspen Music Festival and School has revealed that Alan Fletcher, its President and CEO, will step down from his leadership role in 2027, after more than two decades at the organization’s helm. Following his departure, Fletcher will assume the title of President Emeritus.
During his extensive tenure, Fletcher secured the largest donation in the institution’s history, leading to the naming of the Matthew and Carolyn Bucksbaum Campus. He also spearheaded an $80 million campus redevelopment initiative. His leadership included appointing Robert Spano as Music Director and establishing the Aspen Opera Theater and VocalARTS program, collaborating closely with co-artistic directors Renée Fleming and Patrick Summers.
Fletcher guided the Aspen Music Festival and School through the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and initiated the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access Committee, among various other projects focused on broadening the institution’s reach and inclusivity.
Reflecting on his decision, Fletcher stated, “As we approach the third year of our 75th Anniversary celebrations in 2026, I proposed to our Board leadership that it is an appropriate time to plan for CEO succession. These celebrations have allowed us to appreciate our achievements and also inspired bold thinking about the festival’s future growth and sustainability. We have outlined a plan, including an ambitious campaign, aimed at reinforcing our commitment to excellence and financial responsibility. To contribute meaningfully to my legacy at AMFS and Aspen, and to ensure a smooth transition, I will conclude my presidency and CEO role at the end of my current contract, marking the completion of 21 seasons.”
Before joining Aspen, Fletcher held notable academic positions including Professor and Head of the School of Music at Carnegie Mellon University, as well as Professor, Dean, and Provost at Boston’s New England Conservatory.
He is also recognized for his scholarly contributions, having lectured on music’s social significance both nationally and internationally. Fletcher has authored articles for Gramophone magazine and has been featured in publications such as Sonus, The Journal of Music Theory Pedagogy, Symphony magazine, and The Wall Street Journal, among others.
As a prolific composer, Fletcher has created over 200 works spanning traditional classical genres, which are available on Albany and Exton Records, with publications by Boosey & Hawkes and Subito.
His educational background includes degrees from Princeton University and The Juilliard School, along with studies at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education Institute for Educational Management.
— The Violin Post Editorial Staff
