Asadour Santourian Obituary, Boston, MA Death: Former Tanglewood Executive And Longtime Arts Administrator Dies At 68

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS — The American classical music community is mourning the reported death of Asadour Santourian, a longtime arts administrator whose career included senior leadership and artistic-planning positions with several prominent music organizations across the United States.

Santourian was 68 years old at the time of his reported death. According to a report published by Slipped Disc on August 19, 2026, he was serving as interim executive director of the Rogue Valley Symphony in Oregon when he died.

His death has prompted reflection on a career that extended across major orchestras, music festivals and educational institutions, where he worked in artistic administration, programming and music education.

Asadour Santourian’s Career in Classical Music

Santourian built a decades-long career in American classical music administration, holding a number of senior positions throughout the country.

Before his association with Tanglewood, he served as vice president of artistic administration at the Aspen Music Festival and School and worked as director of artistic planning at the Minnesota Orchestra.

His professional experience also included work with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, where he contributed in an educational capacity.

Through these positions, Santourian developed a career focused on artistic planning, administration and the development of music programs.

Tanglewood Music Center and Tanglewood Learning Institute

Santourian became associated with Tanglewood Music Center and Tanglewood Learning Institute, serving as vice president of the organizations.

His tenure occurred during a period of leadership changes within the wider Boston Symphony Orchestra organization.

Santourian’s departure from Tanglewood was accompanied by controversy involving allegations of workplace bullying. Reports indicated that the allegations were later abandoned following his departure. These claims should not be interpreted as established findings of misconduct without additional authoritative documentation.

He resigned from his position in December 2022, bringing an end to his time with the organization.

Despite the controversy surrounding his Tanglewood tenure, his wider professional career included many years of involvement in classical music administration and artistic development.

Rogue Valley Symphony

At the time of his reported death, Santourian was serving as interim executive director of the Rogue Valley Symphony in Oregon.

His work with the organization represented another chapter in a career devoted to supporting orchestral music and arts institutions.

Colleagues and members of the classical music community have remembered Santourian in connection with his extensive professional experience and his contributions to music organizations throughout the United States.

Asadour Santourian Cause of Death

The cause and circumstances of Asadour Santourian’s death have not been publicly disclosed in the information available for this report.

No specific illness, accident or other circumstance has been confirmed as the cause of his death.

Cause of death: Not publicly disclosed.

Any claims regarding the circumstances of his passing should be treated cautiously unless confirmed by his family, representatives or an authoritative source.

Personal and Family Details

Although Santourian had a long and notable professional career, detailed information concerning his personal life and immediate family has not been provided in the available reports.

Information regarding his date of birth, birthplace, spouse, children, parents, siblings and other family members is not publicly available in the sources reviewed.

Those details should not be assumed or reported without reliable confirmation.

Funeral and Memorial Arrangements

At the time of publication, funeral, visitation, memorial-service and burial arrangements had not been publicly announced.

The details of the obituary, funeral and memorial services will be announced by Santourian’s family or the relevant funeral home when they become available.

Funeral arrangements: Not available.
Memorial service details: Not available.
Visitation information: Not available.
Burial arrangements: Not available.

Remembering Asadour Santourian

Asadour Santourian leaves behind a professional legacy spanning decades of service to American classical music.

From artistic administration and planning to music education and executive leadership, his career took him to major cultural institutions and music organizations across the country.

His reported death at 68 represents the loss of a veteran figure whose professional life was closely connected to orchestras, festivals, musicians and educational programs.

As colleagues and members of the music community reflect on his career, condolences are extended to Santourian’s family, friends, professional colleagues and all those who knew him throughout his years in the arts.

Further information about his cause of death, family and funeral or memorial arrangements may be released through an official family announcement.

May Asadour Santourian be remembered for his decades of service to the classical music community, and may his loved ones find comfort during this difficult time.