Lee Koonce

Pianist and arts executive Lee Koonce has devoted his career to expanding access to the arts, creating opportunities for artists, and strengthening cultural institutions that enrich communities. His work spans more than four decades as a musician, executive, consultant, and advocate for arts education, artistic excellence, and greater representation in classical music.

A native of Chicago’s South Side, Koonce earned bachelor’s degrees in Piano Performance from Oberlin Conservatory of Music and Spanish Literature from Oberlin College, followed by a Master of Music in Piano Performance and Literature from the Eastman School of Music. He established a career as a collaborative pianist specializing in vocal and choral repertoire, first in Chicago and later in New York City. His experience as a musician continues to inform his approach to arts leadership and his commitment to artists, students, and audiences.

Koonce has held leadership positions at Andersen Consulting (now Accenture), the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Sherwood Conservatory of Music, Opus 118 Harlem School of Music, Third Street Music School Settlement, and Ballet Hispánico. His work has encompassed organizational management, strategic planning, fundraising, community engagement, and programs that broaden participation in the arts.

From 2009 to 2024, Koonce served Gateways Music Festival in several leadership capacities, first as Chair of the Festival’s Artistic Programs Committee and subsequently as President & Artistic Director. Dedicated to connecting and supporting professional classical musicians of African descent, Gateways experienced substantial artistic and institutional growth under his leadership, expanding its programming and national profile.

A historic milestone came in 2022 when the Gateways Festival Orchestra became the first all-Black symphony orchestra to be presented by Carnegie Hall in the institution’s more than 130-year history. The concert featured Grammy Award-winning artist Jon Batiste performing the world premiere of his composition I Can with the Festival Orchestra, marking a significant moment in the effort to broaden representation in American classical music.

Koonce also works with the Fenimore Chamber Orchestra in Cooperstown, New York, and serves as a trustee of Oberlin College, Gateways Music Festival, and the Theophilus-Rosa Foundation. He is a guest host of WQXR's Young Artists Showcase, introducing emerging musicians to radio audiences.

His commitment to the arts extends to governance, philanthropy, and public service. He has served on grant-making and advisory panels for organizations including the National Endowment for the Arts, New York State Council on the Arts, New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, Joyce Foundation, New York Community Trust, Pew Charitable Trusts, and GRAMMY Foundation.

Koonce’s contributions have received national recognition. In 2023, he was honored by the National Association of Negro Musicians and named one of Musical America’s Top 30 Professionals. In 2024, the League of American Orchestras presented him with its Gold Baton, the organization’s highest honor. In 2025, the University of Rochester awarded him the Frederick Douglass Medal in recognition of his professional accomplishments, leadership, and service.

Throughout his career, Koonce has remained committed to the belief that music and the arts are essential to the cultural and civic life of communities, and that strong institutions and meaningful access are fundamental to their enduring vitality.