The Citi Performing Arts Center, a nonprofit innovator which operates Boston’s Wang and Shubert Theatres, will be renamed The Boch Center, signifying a new relationship with billionaire car dealership magnate and Music Drives Us founder Ernie Boch Jr.
The multi-year deal becomes official on November 1, and a press conference has been scheduled for 11 a.m. today (September 15). More information on the new partnership and naming is expected to be revealed later this afternoon.
“We are extremely proud to unite the legacies of two iconic families — the Wang family and the Boch family — through our new relationship with Ernie Boch, Jr.,” says Citi Performing Arts Center president and CEO Josiah A. Spaulding, Jr. in a press release. “Our commitment to providing free arts education to the community we serve will only be strengthened by Ernie’s own commitment to supporting music education programs through his Music Drives Us Foundation. We thank Citibank for its support over the last ten years, and look forward to continuing our role as the region’s leading performing arts organization for many years to come through our operations as the Boch Center.”
Ernie Boch, Jr., president and CEO of Boch Enterprises, adds: “My family has a long history in celebrating all genres of music and a great respect for the power of the performing arts. The Wang and Shubert are magnificent theatres with great historical value but it’s the programs they provide to the community that are truly inspiring. We’re deeply vested in the cultural and artistic vibrancy of Boston and I’m thrilled be a part of such an important legacy. My foundation, Music Drives Us, will work to support organizations to help keep music in our schools and communities. Together this is going to be an exciting collaboration with a common goal.”
Even Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh got involved in the press release blurb fun, declaring: “The Citi Performing Arts Center has been a creative leader in Boston for decades, and the Wang and Shubert Theatres are two of our city’s most iconic venues. I would like to thank the Boch family, Joe Spaulding, and all partners involved for stepping up and investing in the Center and all of the work it does to present arts programming and provide free arts education initiatives. Arts and culture are what make this city so vibrant, and I look forward to continuing our work to further enhance Boston’s creative culture.”
Today’s press conference will be held at the Wang Theatre grand lobby on Tremont Street.