Conference | Schedule Overview | Sessions | Speakers | Rates & Registration | Ways to Save | Hotel & Travel | Conducting Masterclass | Evening Events | Sponsor & Exhibit | Sponsor Thanks | FAQs | Media Toolkit

2024 Conference Keynote Speakers

All speakers are subject to change.

 


Aubrey Bergauer
July 25 Opening Keynote

Learn more about Aubrey Bergauer here.

Hailed as “the Steve Jobs of classical music” (Observer), Aubrey Bergauer is known for her results-driven, customer-centric, data-obsessed pursuit of changing the narrative for the performing arts. As chief executive of the California Symphony, Bergauer propelled the organization to double the size of its audience and nearly quadrupled the donor base.

Bergauer helps organizations and individuals transform from scarcity to opportunity, make money, and grow the base of fans and supporters. Her ability to cast and communicate vision moves large teams forward and brings stakeholders together, earning “a reputation for coming up with great ideas and then realizing them” (San Francisco Classical Voice). With a track record for strategically increasing revenue and relevance, leveraging digital content and technology, and prioritizing diversity and inclusion on stage and off, Bergauer sees a better way forward for classical music and knows how to achieve it.

Ben Folds
July 27 Closing Keynote

Learn more about Ben Folds here.

Emmy-award-winning composer, singer-songwriter, and pianist Ben Folds joins ACSO for an inspiring closing conference keynote session and the San Francisco Symphony for a night of exceptional performances.

Widely regarded as one of the major musical influences of our generation, Folds’ enormous body of genre-bending music includes pop albums with Ben Folds Five, multiple solo albums, and numerous collaborative records. His latest album, 2023’s What Matters Most, is a blend of piano-driven pop-rock songs, while his 2015 Concerto for Piano and Orchestra soared to #1 on both the Billboard classical and classical crossover charts.

For nearly two decades, Folds has performed with some of the world’s greatest symphony orchestras and currently serves as Artistic Advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center.

 

In her new book, Run It Like a Business, Aubrey Bergauer reveals how to run a successful arts business in the post-pandemic era, adapting for-profit methods for not-for-profit goals. Aubrey's book is now available for purchase in stores and online and she will be signing copies at the conference. Click here to buy your copy today.

On July 27, pianist and singer-songwriter Ben Folds joins the San Francisco Symphony and conductor Edwin Outwater to perform many of his most iconic songs from his decades-long career as a solo artist and frontman of alternative rock trio Ben Folds Five. 

ACSO Conference attendees receive 25% off select ticket prices. This concert may sell out, so if you plan to attend the ACSO Conference, don't wait to buy your concert tickets until conference registration opens on April 25. Purchase your tickets NOW using the special ACSO link to guarantee availability and to receive the discount.