Grant Park Music Festival President and CEO Anwar Nasir (Photo: Courtesy of Grant Park Music Festival).
Anwar Nasir has been announced as Grant Park Music Festival’s new President and CEO. He follows in the footsteps of previous CEO Paul Winberg, who retired on April 30, 2026 after 14 years with the organization.
Nasir comes to the Grant Park Music Festival with experience in various areas of Arts Administration. He has previously worked as the Chief Revenue and Advancement Officer for the Omaha Symphony, in addition to management roles within the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Hollywood Bowl, and Atlanta Ballet. Since 2021, Nasir has been serving as the Executive Director of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, during which the orchestra celebrated its first GRAMMY Award and expanded audience levels. External leadership positions for Nasir include the International Ticketing Association (INTIX), the board of directors of the League of American Orchestras, and co-founding the Black Arts Leadership Alliance.
Beginning in the fall of 2026, Nasir will work closely with the festival’s Artistic Director Giancarlo Guerrero to shape Chicago’s largest, free, outdoor classical music festival as it heads into its 2035 centennial season. Festival CFO Hannah Lehman will continue to serve as interim President & CEO until the transition is complete.
The 2026 Grant Park Music Festival begins on June 10. Learn more about WFMT’s live concert broadcasts here.
