Caroline Smedvig was born on May 31, 1953, making her 73 years old. While often recognized publicly as the spouse of legendary singer-songwriter James Taylor, her own career spans decades of prominent work in arts administration, journalism, and cultural philanthropy, most notably serving as the director of public relations and marketing for the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
Understanding her background reveals an influential figure in American classical music promotion and institutional leadership. This article details her early life, professional achievements at the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and her lasting footprint in cultural circles.
Early Life and Educational Background
Born Caroline Elisabeth Hessberg in Albany, New York, she grew up in an intellectually engaged household. Her father, Albert Hessberg II, practiced law as a prominent senior partner, while her mother, Elisabeth Goold, managed the family home and community engagements.
After completing her preparatory education at the Albany Academy for Girls in 1971, she enrolled at Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts. She concentrated on humanities and writing, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1975. During her undergraduate years, she gained hands-on media experience working as a part-time reporter for local papers like the Knickerbocker News.
Journalism and Early Media Career
Before transitioning into institutional arts management, Smedvig established herself as a working journalist. Her early professional journey included reporting roles and internships across several publications:
- Interning with the New York Times newsroom.
- Reporting for The Associated Press.
- Writing for regional publications including the Springfield Daily News.
This journalistic foundation equipped her with a sharp eye for public relations, narrative framing, and media relations—skills that proved vital when she transitioned from reporting news to shaping the public image of major cultural institutions.
Leadership at the Boston Symphony Orchestra
In 1980, Smedvig joined the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO), a turning point that defined the next twenty-five years of her professional life. As the director of public relations and marketing, she oversaw communications strategies, media campaigns, and audience development initiatives for one of the nation's premier classical music institutions.
Her tenure coincided with an era of significant shifts in how arts organizations engaged with the public. Smedvig modernized promotional efforts, expanded media partnerships, and elevated the profiles of conductors and guest artists, including long-standing collaborations with music directors like Seiji Ozawa. Her deep familiarity with print journalism enabled her to secure extensive national coverage for BSO concert seasons, recordings, and international tours.
Beyond executive marketing duties, her literary background led to collaborative projects. She co-authored and produced Seiji: An Intimate Portrait of Seiji Ozawa, published in 1998, which documented the maestro's multi-decade tenure with the orchestra through narrative and photography by Lincoln Russell. She also performed as a member of the Tanglewood Festival Chorus, blending her administrative career with active participation in choral performance. After a quarter-century of service, she stepped down from her formal executive role at the BSO in 2004, later returning in a trustee capacity to support ongoing governance and institutional strategy.
Personal Life and Marriage
Smedvig was previously married to the late classical trumpeter Rolf Thorstein Smedvig. In the mid-1990s, while working at Symphony Hall during performances featuring the Boston Pops and guest artists, she crossed paths with James Taylor.
The two developed a close friendship before their relationship turned romantic. They married in February 2001 at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Boston. Later that year, they welcomed twin sons, Henry and Rufus. The family settled in Lenox, Massachusetts, near the Tanglewood music grounds, maintaining a private lifestyle away from intense tabloid scrutiny while remaining active in local arts and environmental causes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Caroline Smedvig's exact age?
Caroline Smedvig was born on May 31, 1953, making her 73 years old.
What was her role at the Boston Symphony Orchestra?
She served as the director of public relations and marketing for 25 years, directing media relations, institutional communications, and audience outreach until stepping down in 2004. She later served as a BSO trustee.
Did she have a career in journalism before arts administration?
Yes. After graduating from Smith College in 1975, she worked as a newspaper reporter and newsroom contributor for outlets including the Associated Press, the Knickerbocker News, and the Springfield Daily News.
How many children does she share with James Taylor?
She and James Taylor share twin sons, Henry and Rufus, born in 2001.
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