At the age of 91 the long-time head of the Celebrity Series of Boston, Walter Pierce passed away on July 7, 2022.

Pierce served as an arts administrator and impresario in Boston for over 30 years. During his tenure at the Celebrity Series of Boston, he helped bring the organization to be one of the most enduring nonprofit arts organizations in the city. Here he worked with renowned artists such as soprano Renee Fleming, tenor Luciano Pavarotti, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, pianist Vladimir Horowitz, and many more.

After serving in the U.S. Army, Pierce moved to New York City, working for a theatrical advertising firm. Pierce began his career promoted Broadway and off-Broadway shows, including Yiddish Theatre productions. Later in the 1950s, working as a freelance publicist he promoted the Boston premiere of Frederico Fellini’s film, “La Strada.” During this time Pierce became one of the lead promoters for the Metropolitan Opera’s annual tour to Boston.

A private service will be held for family. The Series is planning a celebration concert for Walter in the fall of 2022. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Celebrity Series of Boston Walter Pierce Annual Performance Fund.