My introduction of Gary Dunning at New England Conservatory’s Commencement ceremony on Sunday May 17, 2026. He received an honorary degree.
Let me speak of Gary Dunning who has spent decades reminding Boston — and reminding this country, demonstrating — that the arts are not a luxury. They are a lifeline.
Gary Dunning has led one of Boston’s most admired cultural institutions for 15 years — first as president and executive director of the Celebrity Series of Boston, and most recently as the guiding force behind its transformation into Vivo Performing Arts.
By the way, this afternoon, I have something unusual… It’s annoying actually. I have — it’s rare — I have a split personality. Or, perhaps, there’s a Gary Dunning whisperer here? The guy’s aware, it seems, of all the artists that have been presented in Boston during Gary Dunning’s years here.
You bet I am. And I will just lead off with Andras Schiff (who played the piano right here on this stage), and Richard Goode (right here on this stage), and Isaak Perlman, and Renée Fleming, and…Fritz Kreisler, Sergei Rachmaninoff, and Maria Callas…
OK, but wait a minute, those last three names — Rachmaninoff? — that must have been a long time before Gary Dunning arrived.
Where was I? I’m back, to tell you that before he was in Boston, Gary Dunning served as executive director of the American Ballet Theatre, the Houston Ballet, and New York’s Big Apple Circus. Decades of service to the arts. Decades of showing up for artists, for audiences — and for communities that often feel the stage isn’t for them.
Also, you know, in Boston, he presented Maurizio Pollini, and Deborah Voight, and David Sedaris, and Joshua Bell.
Ok. I believe it.
Under Gary Dunning’s leadership, the Celebrity Series launched the Debut Series, created Stave Sessions, that bring contemporary music to unexpected places. The Neighborhood Arts program was built, bringing free performances to many in this city.
And when Gary Dunning realized that his organization’s name was an obstacle to its mission — the word “celebrity” was getting in the way — he didn’t wait for someone else to fix it. He oversaw a complete rebranding, launching Vivo Performing Arts just this past January. That’s a mark of a leader: knowing when to build.
Any more from the whisperer?
Well, he presented Chick Correa, and Herbie Hancock, and the Berlin Philharmonic.
Yeah, ok. Gary Dunning’s done a lot. He led a capital campaign that tripled his organization’s net assets. He championed equity, and accessibility. He introduced more than 350 first-time featured acts — artists making debuts in Boston.
Gary Dunning said: “Whether on a stage or in a neighborhood park, live performance is what we do, and the place where creativity comes alive.”
Boston has been alive because of Gary Dunning. President Kalyn, it is my honor to present Gary Dunning for the honorary degree — Doctor of Music.
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