Ojai Talk of the Town welcomes Tom Morris, a titan of the classical music world, for a deep dive into his extraordinary memoir, Always the Music: How a Lifelong Passion Framed a Future for Orchestras." With decades of leadership at the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Cleveland Orchestra, Tom shaped the future of two of America’s most revered symphonies. As artistic director of the Ojai Music Festival for 16 years, he brought bold programming and visionary collaborations to the forefront of contemporary music.

In Always the Music, Tom shares behind-the-scenes stories of his friendships with legends like Pierre Boulez, Arthur Fiedler, and John Williams and Michael Tilson Thomas on iconic tours, his memoir brims with insights into the artistry, genius, and grit behind world-class symphonies and public arts organizations.

Much more than a memoir, Tom's book contains insights and action plans for orchestras and arts organizations to refocus on providing transcendent experiences, to build audiences and connect communities through the transformative power of art.

Join us as Tom reflects on his transformative career, the enduring power of live performance, and the lessons he’s learned about music’s role in connecting us all. Don’t miss this candid and inspiring conversation with a master of his craft!

We did not talk about John McPhee's meditation on shad runs in the Delaware River, Josh Allen's chances of winning an MVP or the opening of the El Roblar Hotel.

Check out more about Tom at https://www.ojaifestival.org/about/leadership/thomas-w-morris-artistic-director/