Peter Perez New President of Grand Rapids Symphony

Since January, longtime symphony advocate and friend Peter Perez has served as interim President and CEO of the Grand Rapids Symphony following Peter Kjome’s departure to become President and CEO of the Baltimore Symphony.

This week, the Board of Directors asked Mr. Perez to become the permanent President of the Grand Rapids Symphony, and he said yes!

With his broad knowledge of the West Michigan community, the board felt that Peter truly was the best man for the job. In his long career in business, he’s served as president of two world-famous musical instrument manufacturers, C.G. Conn, and Steinway & Sons. He’s a retired U.S. Navy officer and recently served his country again as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Manufacturing in the Department of Commerce in Washington from 2010-2012.

Peter and his wife, Carroll, came to Grand Rapids in 1990 when they acquired Carter Products. Today, their son, Lee, runs the family business.

Over the years, Peter has served on the Symphony’s Board of Directors including as Chairperson from 2013-15. He was Board Chair for the beginning of our Music Director Search as well as during our production of LiveArts in the Van Andel Arena.