Since it began in 1939, the Celebrity Series has presented hundreds of performances by world-renowned classical, jazz and world musicians, and dance troupes. Major artists presented have included Sergei Rachmaninoff, Jacqueline DuPre, Dizzy Gillespie, Ravi Shankar, and Martha Graham and Company. It has been affiliated with a number of sponsor organizations over the years, including Boston University, the Wang Center, and Bank Boston. Despite all of these changes, the Celebrity Series operated under the same director, Walter Pierce, between 1958-96; Pierce was instrumental in the development of the Series as one of Boston’s premiere presenters of the performing arts.

Today, the Celebrity Series presents top-notch artists (in a mostly classical vein) from across the globe, as well as emerging artists local to the Boston area. Regular collaborations are featured with prominent local ensembles, commissioning new works, fostering collaboration between musical artists, and making resources available to adventurous artists.

In addition to its programming initiatives, the Celebrity Series operates an extensive Arts, Education and Community Program. A series of residency programs, workshops, masterclasses and interactive concerts brings new music to a wider audience, reaching over 22,000 people each year. Also offered is the AileyCamp Boston program, a six-week summer day camp designed to develop an appreciation for dance and develop self-confidence among local youth.