Caroline Smedvig built a respected career in classical music communications long before most people knew her name. She spent over two decades shaping how the Boston Symphony Orchestra connected with audiences, rising to Director of Public Relations and Marketing.
During her tenure, she helped make classical music more accessible to new audiences while preserving the orchestra’s artistic integrity. Her marriage to singer-songwriter James Taylor in 2001 brought public attention, but her professional legacy in the arts world stands independently.
Born Caroline Elisabeth Hessberg on May 31, 1953, in Albany, New York, she grew up in a family with deep legal and community roots. Her father, Albert Hessberg II, was a prominent attorney and senior partner at Hiscock & Barclay. That foundation shaped her career path, blending communications skills with genuine passion for the arts.
Caroline Smedvig – Quick Bio Summary
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Caroline Elisabeth Hessberg Smedvig |
| Born | May 31, 1953 — Albany, New York, USA |
| Age (2025) | 72 years old |
| Parents | Albert Hessberg II (attorney), Elisabeth Fitzsimons Goold |
| Siblings | Albert Hessberg III, Philip Hessberg |
| Education | Albany Academy for Girls; Smith College (B.A., 1975) |
| Early Career | Reporter for Knickerbocker News & Springfield Daily News |
| BSO Career | Joined 1980; Director of Public Relations & Marketing; Served until ~2004 |
| Other Roles | Boston Symphony Orchestra Trustee; Co-editor of arts books |
| First Marriage | Rolf Thorstein Smedvig (trumpeter) |
| Current Spouse | James Taylor (married 2001) |
| Children | Twin sons: Henry & Rufus Taylor (born April 2001 via surrogacy) |
| Residence | Lenox, Massachusetts |
| Notable Facts | Inspired several James Taylor songs; occasional backup vocalist |
| Net Worth (Est.) | $500,000–$2 million (unconfirmed estimates) |
| Public Presence | Extremely private; no public social media |
Early Life and Family Background
Caroline grew up in Albany, New York, as the daughter of Albert Hessberg II and Elisabeth Fitzsimons Goold. Her father was a well-known lawyer in the region and served on the board of Albany Medical Center. Her mother passed away in 1991, and her father followed in January 1995.
She has two brothers: Albert Hessberg III and Philip Hessberg. Her family faced public scrutiny when Albert III was later disbarred for professional misconduct. Caroline and James Taylor contributed $1.7 million toward restitution for victims affected by her brother’s legal issues, as reported by Mass Live.
The Hessberg household valued intellectual rigor and cultural involvement. Her upbringing emphasized education, public service, and community engagement. These values defined her career in arts administration and shaped her approach to both work and family.
Education and Academic Foundation
Caroline attended the Albany Academy for Girls, a prestigious preparatory school known for rigorous academic standards. The all-girls environment encouraged leadership and independence. She graduated with strong preparation for college-level work in the liberal arts.
She went on to Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, graduating in 1975 with a Bachelor’s degree. Smith College offered a strong foundation in critical thinking and communication. This education directly supported her later work in journalism and public relations.
Her academic background gave her tools to navigate both newsrooms and arts institutions. The combination of rigorous education and early exposure to community leadership created a professional identity rooted in service. She carried these values throughout her career.
Career in Journalism
Caroline began her professional life as a newspaper reporter, working for the Knickerbocker News in Albany. She later moved to the Springfield Daily News, where she continued developing her storytelling skills. Her journalism background honed her ability to communicate complex ideas to general audiences.
Working in newsrooms during the 1970s and early 1980s required adaptability and precision. She learned to meet deadlines, verify facts, and write under pressure. Her reporting experience taught her how to craft narratives that resonated with diverse readerships.
This journalism foundation became a launching pad for her transition into public relations. Understanding how news works from the inside made her more effective in shaping public perception for cultural institutions. Her ability to translate artistic excellence into accessible language became a defining strength.
Boston Symphony Orchestra Career
According to Billboard, Caroline joined the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1980 as part of its communications team. Over the next two decades, she advanced to become Director of Public Relations and Marketing, helping guide how the orchestra presented itself to the public.
During her tenure, she worked on seasonal concert promotions, media relations for major BSO and Boston Pops events, and outreach connected to Tanglewood, the orchestra’s summer home. Her work focused on making classical music more approachable for broader audiences while protecting the orchestra’s long-standing reputation for artistic excellence.
In a 2017 interview with Boston, James Taylor recalled meeting her when “she was working full time … with the Boston Symphony.” He joked that the day after their first meeting, he called her because he “couldn’t find my watch—and she still thinks that was a bogus ploy.” That anecdote shows how their relationship began in the context of her professional life.
Trustee and Arts Leadership
After stepping down from her full-time role in 2004, Caroline became a trustee of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Her trusteeship began around September 2007. This transition allowed her to continue influencing the institution’s direction while stepping back from daily operations.
Serving as a trustee involves strategic planning, fundraising, and governance. She remained involved in the organization’s future even after her formal retirement. Her long-term commitment reflects genuine dedication to classical music, not just career advancement.
Caroline collaborated with photographer Lincoln Russell on the book Seiji: An Intimate Portrait of Seiji Ozawa. She co-edited another book, Symphony Hall: The First 100 Years, which documented the BSO’s historic venue. These publishing projects show her interest in preserving cultural legacy and making classical music history accessible.
Meeting James Taylor
Caroline and James Taylor first met in 1993 at a Boston Pops concert conducted by John Williams. She was working for the BSO at the time, and their professional paths crossed. Their first real date reportedly took place on July 3, 1995.
Taylor later described their early connection with notable warmth. In a Yahoo interview, he said: “Meeting each other … the beginning of my adult life … Our love is where I live … I don’t really exist apart from us.” He also reflected: “In the first six months … it felt as though … we had been maybe siblings … or maybe we’d been lovers … there was … piece after piece … that we were so in sync.”
Their relationship deepened over several years before they married. Taylor was previously married twice, and Caroline was ending her first marriage to trumpeter Rolf Thorstein Smedvig. Both brought life experience and a clear sense of what they wanted in a partnership.
Marriage and Family Life
Caroline and James Taylor married on February 18, 2001, at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Boston. The ceremony was intimate, with around 50 family members and close friends in attendance. The couple chose a personal, low-key celebration that reflected their preference for privacy.
They have twin sons, Rufus and Henry, born in April 2001 via surrogacy. The surrogate reportedly became pregnant through in vitro fertilization in 2000. Becoming parents later in life was a deliberate choice that both embraced fully.
The family resides in Lenox, Massachusetts, in the Berkshires. Their home is in a rural, nature-filled setting where wildlife like bears, owls, deer, and coyotes are regular visitors. In past profiles highlighting their life in the Berkshires, she has humorously spoken about the wildlife encounters that come with rural living.
Influence on Taylor’s Music
James Taylor has written songs directly inspired by Caroline. One notable example is “Caroline I See You,” a love song that reflects their relationship. Another is “You and I Again,” which Taylor worked on for over 20 years.
In a CityNews Vancouver interview, Taylor explained that “You and I Again “”began over 20 years ago as a simple piano piece he’d play every time he sat down at the keys … It drove his wife, choral singer Caroline (Kim) Smedvig, ‘crazy.'” He added: “She didn’t know I was writing it about her … she recognized this music … but I scored some points.” Caroline’s presence in Taylor’s creative life goes beyond inspiration.
She has occasionally performed as a backup vocalist during his concerts. Her musical background and understanding of performance dynamics make her a genuine creative partner. This shared artistic language strengthens both their personal and professional connection.
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Previous Marriage
Before her marriage to James Taylor, Caroline was married to classical trumpeter Rolf Thorstein Smedvig. She took the surname Smedvig from this marriage, which she still uses publicly. The marriage ended in divorce before she met Taylor.
Rolf Smedvig passed away in 2015. Caroline’s first marriage connected her deeply to the classical music world. That shared musical foundation likely strengthened her ability to relate to Taylor’s own artistic life.
Her experience navigating a high-profile relationship within the arts community prepared her for life with a famous musician. She understood the demands of performance schedules and public attention. This background helped her maintain balance in her second marriage.
Philanthropy and Community Engagement
Caroline and James Taylor donated $1 million to Massachusetts General Hospital’s Emergency Preparedness Fund. Their philanthropic focus leans toward arts education and health initiatives. She has used her platform to support institutions that shaped her own life.
Her charitable work extends beyond financial contributions. Her trusteeship at the BSO involves strategic decisions about the orchestra’s future and community outreach. She remains committed to making classical music accessible to new generations.
Her philanthropy reflects values instilled during her upbringing in a family that emphasized civic responsibility. She hasn’t sought recognition for her giving; her approach is quiet and consistent. This aligns with her preference for working behind the scenes.
Net Worth and Financial Background
Caroline Smedvig’s net worth is not publicly confirmed. She built her financial standing independently, well before her marriage to Taylor. But her husband’s net worth is $80 million according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Her income from her PR and marketing role at a major cultural institution was substantial. Directors at organizations like the BSO typically earn competitive salaries. Her two-decade tenure would have built significant savings and professional equity.
Her career choices—journalism, arts administration, trusteeship—suggest values centered on cultural contribution. Her lifestyle in the Berkshires is comfortable but far from ostentatious. She does not appear to seek wealth for its own sake.
Public Profile and Media Presence
Caroline maintains a low public profile despite being married to a famous musician. She has no verified public social media accounts. Her preference for privacy is deliberate and consistent.
She rarely grants interviews or discusses her personal life in public. When she does appear publicly, it’s usually in support of James Taylor or in her role with the BSO. She has chosen to live a life focused on family, work, and community rather than celebrity.
This approach sets her apart from many celebrity spouses who build their own media brands. She seems content to let her professional accomplishments speak for themselves. Her decision to avoid the spotlight reflects confidence in her own identity.
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Legacy and Impact
Caroline Smedvig’s career helped shape how the Boston Symphony Orchestra communicated with the public during a critical period. Her work in PR and marketing made the orchestra more accessible without compromising artistic standards. She understood that maintaining cultural relevance requires both excellence and storytelling.
Her life demonstrates that professional fulfillment and family life can coexist. She built a meaningful career before her marriage and continued contributing afterward. Her support for James Taylor has been steady, but she has maintained her own sense of purpose.
Through philanthropy, trusteeship, and publishing projects, she has quietly contributed to cultural preservation. Her work on books about Seiji Ozawa and Symphony Hall ensured that important musical history was documented. She has helped institutions thrive while staying true to her values of service and privacy.
Conclusion
Caroline Smedvig’s story is one of quiet accomplishment in the arts world. She built a career in journalism and public relations that left a lasting mark on one of America’s great orchestras. Her marriage to James Taylor brought visibility, but her professional identity was already firmly established.
She has balanced public service with private life, choosing substance over celebrity. Her work as a trustee, author, and philanthropist continues to shape classical music institutions. Caroline’s legacy lies in her dedication to cultural excellence and her ability to support both art and family without seeking recognition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Caroline Smedvig’s age?
She was born on May 31, 1953, making her 72 years old as of 2025.
Does Caroline Smedvig have children?
Yes, she and James Taylor have twin sons, Rufus and Henry, born in April 2001 via surrogacy.
What was Caroline Smedvig’s career?
She worked as a journalist, then became Director of PR and Marketing at the Boston Symphony Orchestra from 1980 to 2004.
What is Caroline Smedvig’s net worth?
Estimates range from $500,000 to $2 million, earned through her journalism and BSO career.
Does Caroline Smedvig have social media?
No, she maintains no verified or prominent public social media presence.
Was Caroline Smedvig married before?
Yes, she was previously married to Rolf Thorstein Smedvig, a trumpeter with the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
Where does Caroline Smedvig live?
She lives with her family in Lenox, Massachusetts, in the rural Berkshires region.
Gael is a content writer who enjoys telling real stories about public figures, entertainment, and moments that shape their lives. He focuses on writing in a clear, simple way so readers can easily understand and enjoy the content. His work is based on careful research from public sources and trusted media. Gael believes good writing should feel natural, honest, and helpful to everyday readers.
