Seattle Chamber Music Society Extends John Holloway’s Contract Through 2033; Names Holloway as its First Chief Executive Officer
Seattle, WA —March 23 — Seattle Chamber Music Society (SCMS), a cornerstone of the American classical music scene since 1982, today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed John Holloway, previously the Dr. Oliver E. Cobb Executive Director of SCMS, as Dr. Oliver E. Cobb Chief Executive Officer, effective March 16, 2026. This marks the first time in the organization’s history that the CEO position has been established. In addition, SCMS has extended Holloway’s contract through 2033.
Holloway has served as Executive Director since 2021, a period marked by SCMS’s expanded community reach, patron growth, and new approaches to audience engagement. Guided by his belief in chamber music as a central cultural force, both locally and globally, Holloway has co-designed and led initiatives that inspire a deep appreciation for chamber music and further establish the art form as a cornerstone of classical music in American cities moving forward.
“The Board of Directors of the Seattle Chamber Music Society is thrilled to extend John Holloway’s contract and to appoint him to the newly created position of Chief Executive Officer. John’s vision, paired with his profound commitment to community outreach, accessibility, audience experience, and elevation of the chamber music art form, epitomize and advance SCMS’s mission, help guide the evolution of the industry, and support both established and upcoming artists of the highest caliber. We are fortunate to have such an exceptional leader at this pivotal moment for the arts,” said Scott Gary, President of the SCMS Board of Directors.
During Holloway’s tenure, the organization has expanded to present performances year-round, and redefined its performance settings, extending concerts beyond Benaroya Hall to parks, hospitals, assisted living communities, and in communities across the U.S. SCMS has improved and broadened its virtual reach through SCMS Virtual Concert Hall, a concert streaming platform that recreates the energy of a live performance through six HD camera angles and crystal-clear audio, so that SCMS may present world-class concerts and events to music lovers from around the globe.
Holloway shepherded SCMS’s acquisition of The Concert Truck, a traveling music venue that presents concerts across the country and redefines how people experience live music, created by pianists Susan Zhang and Nick Luby in 2016. Holloway established SCMS’s first-ever String Quartet in Residence program, currently held through 2026 by acclaimed Balourdet Quartet – Angela Bae, Justin DeFilippis, Benjamin Zannoni, and Russell Houston. Since September, the Balourdet Quartet have been living and working in King County and connecting musically with the community through special community events, educational initiatives, and formal concerts.
“It has been a joy and a privilege to work with John Holloway for the past five years at Seattle Chamber Music Society,” said James Ehnes, Gilbert Omenn and Martha Darling Artistic Director of SCMS. “John’s vision and commitment to excellence has elevated SCMS and energized our work as a vital cultural connector in Seattle and far beyond.”
Through Holloway’s leadership, SCMS founded its Academy for Chamber Music, a vibrant, supportive community in which students and adults receive expert coaching, engage with SCMS artists, and experience the joy of making music together. Holloway also brokered a new content partnership with Alaska Airlines, offering recordings of SCMS performances on the airline’s inflight entertainment system, free for passengers on most Alaska Airlines flights.
Holloway has earned both regional and national recognition. He was named to the Puget Sound Business Journal’s 2025 “40 Under 40” class recognizing influential leaders in the region. He was also recognized by Musical America as one of its Top 30 Professionals of the Year, honoring individuals who play vital roles in sustaining and advancing the performing arts ecosystem.
Holloway joined SCMS after serving as Managing Director of the Four Seasons Chamber Music Festival, where he expanded programming and resources while launching new artist-development initiatives. As Co-founder and President of Vivace Music Foundation, he built an organization dedicated to producing the highest level of music education to aspiring young artists. He has brought that same strategic focus to SCMS, aligning artistic innovation, education, community engagement, and long-term sustainability.
“I’m driven to bring exceptional chamber music to people wherever they are – in purpose-built concert halls, in living rooms, on trucks and ships, in classrooms, community centers and parks, and through the digital spaces that shape daily life. Wherever music can deepen connection and elevate the human experience, we should be there. SCMS is built for this work and committed to it, and I’m honored to continue leading it forward,” said Holloway.
Carlin Ma photo
