BMInt announces with deep regret the untimely death of Sean Roberts, executive director of The Boston Classical Orchestra for the last four years. At the Intelligencer we felt a special kinship with Sean. He was extremely helpful in organizing and promoting BMInt’s successful town meeting on “Whither Classical Music in Boston: A discussion of the recent changes at WGBH” in January 2009. This was emblematic of his determination to advance the appreciation of classical music in general and not just for his own organization.
While at BCO he created the Strand Project, a successful effort to produce children’s concerts in the spring and family concerts during the holiday season at the Strand Theatre in Dorchester. As a result, the BCO brings classical music to hundreds of children who might otherwise not be exposed to it.
Sean Roberts graduated from the University of Massachusetts Boston with a BA in Philosophy, English, and Music. He held a number of marketing positions before and after serving as Founding General Manager of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, a position he held from 1979 to 1992.
“Sean’s passionate dedication to BCO in particular, and to bringing live orchestral music to every Bostonian he could reach in general, was inspiring and enlivening,” said BCO Music Director Steven Lipsitt. ” We will dearly miss him.”
This is very sad. I remember Sean from the Boston Phil, when I was a member of the corporation. He was a very talented, competent and imaginative GM. My condolences to his family.
Comment by Vance Koven — September 14, 2011 at 12:25 pm
The Strand Project was so important to Sean. He loved Dorchester and having the opportunity to bring excellence in classical music to a historic venue, while including local children was so important and special for Sean. He knew every detail, was there when each bus arrived and welcomed EVERY child at the door. We at Pope John Paul II Catholic Academy had a very special relationship with Sean and our students loved when Sean requested that they perform with the Boston Classical Orchestra. I myself, have had no better mentor, advocate and friend. How lucky we are to have shared his vivacious passion for music and people…at our last concert we all sang and played Amazing Grace for Sean…it is he who had the most amazing grace of all. God speed, dear friend.
Mary Swanton
Music Director
Pope John Paul II Catholic Academy
Dorchester
Comment by Mary Swanton — September 14, 2011 at 7:29 pm
I met Sean back when the Boston Philharmonic had periodic radio fundraising Marathons on the old WCRB. I always found him warm and amusing, and many years later he persuaded me (over the phone) to write program notes for the Boston Classical Orchestra concerts. I hadn’t actually seen him since those old Marathon days, but I shall always remember his deep voice and rich laughter from those numerous phone calls, and the great kindness and encouragement so often communicated in that voice.
Comment by Doug Briscoe — November 6, 2011 at 10:46 pm