David M. Wax

David M. Wax, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Philharmonic from 2001-2008, has more than 30 years of experience in orchestra management.  Under the direction of Mr. Wax, the Rhode Island Philharmonic developed a strategic plan, increased the size and age range of the audience for orchestral performances of classical music, further developed the Philharmonic’s broad-based concert program to include the Rush Hour series, and greatly expanded educational and community partnership activities.  Prior to coming to the Philharmonic, Mr. Wax held senior management positions with the North Carolina Symphony, the Pittsburgh Symphony, the Sacramento Symphony, and the Minnesota Orchestra and served as Executive Director of the Houston Symphony from 1987 to 2000.  The Houston Symphony is a 97 musician full-time orchestra with an annual operating budget in excess of $20 million.  Working in close cooperation with Music Director Christoph Eschenbach, Mr. Wax led the Houston Symphony into national and international prominence in a period of unprecedented artistic and financial growth.  Mr. Wax has served as chair and secretary of the group of managers of America’s 20 largest budget orchestras and as a Board member of the American Symphony Orchestra League.  Mr. Wax works as an arts management consultant, currently under contracts with the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra and Musica Dolce, and serves on the Boards of the Gamm Theatre and Rhode Island Citizens for the Arts.  Mr. Wax holds a Ph.D. degree in political science from Harvard University.