Anne-Marie Spataru will lead the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra’s board. (photo courtesy of LACO)

The Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra has named Anne-Marie Spataru as chair of its board of directors.

Executive director Benjamin Cadwallader announced on Aug. 23 that the West Los Angeles resident has succeeded Leslie Lassiter, who assumed the role of vice chair after serving a four-year term as chair. Spataru, who enjoyed a 30-year-career in project management with the UCLA Capital Programs Department and joined LACO’s board in 2018, began her three-year term as chair on July 1. Additionally, Cadwallader announced the three-year board appointment of Amy Rabwin, a former French horn player and administrative professional with over 20 years of experience supporting executives in the arts and finance.

“Anne-Marie Spataru brings a wealth of experience to LACO with her inspired vision, formidable business and leadership skills, and tremendous passion for music and the orchestra,” Cadwallader said. “We are thrilled to have her at the helm to help guide LACO, as its national and international acclaim continues to grow under music director Jaime Martín due to the orchestra’s exceptional artistry, impactful live performances, and innovative digital offerings spotlighting the full spectrum of the chamber music repertoire and LACO’s abiding commitment to championing new music. We are also very grateful to Leslie Lassiter for her exceptional guidance. During her tenure as chair, LACO successfully navigated the global pandemic, one of the most daunting chapters in the organization’s history. We have tremendous appreciation for everything she has done to facilitate the orchestra’s continued fiscal and artistic health and propel its forward momentum.”

Spataru served for 11 years on the board of the Santa Monica-Westside YWCA and the board of the UCLA Dashew Center for International Students and Scholars. Spataru and her husband, Alex, are long-time supporters and advocates of LACO.

Rabwin has served for the past 14 years as executive assistant to the CEO of Blackstone, the world’s largest alternative asset manager. She previously pursued a career in classical music administration and held positions at the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra and Metropolitan Opera. Rabwin also serves as a court appointed special advocate with CASA LA, advocating for children and families in the child welfare system.

For information, call (213)622 7001 ext. 1, or visit laco.org.