ArtsEmerson names Dan Hirsch as new director of music programs

Robert J. Orchard, executive director of the arts at Emerson College, recently announced the appointment of Dan Hirsch as director of music programs for ArtsEmerson. Hirsch will program music for Emerson’s Cutler Majestic Theatre, Paramount Theatre, and Black Box Theatre. Hirsch, who has extensive experience in music programming, will focus on bringing innovative national and international music artists to these venues.

“Dan was the obvious choice for this position,” said Orchard. “The concerts he will bring to ArtsEmerson: The World on Stage will fit right in with the exciting and innovative theater programming we announced earlier this summer. I look forward to working with him.” In June, ArtsEmerson announced 100+ performances of 17 different productions, including world premieres, Boston debuts, and works to be developed in Emerson’s new facilities.

“Dan was the obvious choice for this position. The concerts he will bring to ArtsEmerson: The World on Stage will fit right in with the exciting and innovative theater programming we announced earlier this summer.”

–Robert J. Orchard, executive director of the arts at Emerson College

Prior to this position, Hirsch was the concert program manager at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. While there, he expanded the range of concerts, featuring both established and emerging local, national, and international acts. After leaving, he joined World Music/CRASHarts as director of music programs. He is also a founder and programmer for Non-Event, an experimental music series founded in 2001.

In an article in the July 22nd issue of The Boston Globe, reporter Geoff Edger writes, “Grizzly Bear at the Cutler? Why not…Hirsch is known for bringing the hipsters into the Museum of Fine Arts before a stint at World Music/CRASHarts.”

Hirsch serves as a music consultant for the Goethe-Institute in Boston, on the Board of Directors for the Berwick Research Institute, and on advisory panels for the Somerville Arts Council and Grant Makers in the Arts. Among the artists he is credited with debuting or breaking in Boston are Antony and the Johnsons, Grizzly Bear, Dirty Projectors, Vampire Weekend, Bon Iver, The Books, Jose Gonzalez, Beach House, Joanna Newsom, St. Vincent, and Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings.