Coe Named ACSO Board President
For Immediate Release August 27, 2009
Contact:
Tim Dougherty
805.695.7908
Santa Barbara, CA – NancyBell Coe, whose lengthy career in classical music administration has included senior-level management positions with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and now the Music Academy of the West, among other organizations, has been elected president of the Board of Directors for the Association of California Symphony Orchestras (ACSO). Ms. Coe, who currently serves as associate treasurer of the ACSO Board, will begin her one-year term as Board president on October 1.
Since being named president of the Music Academy of the West in July 2004, Ms. Coe has presided over a succession of ambitious campus and programmatic initiatives, including the renovation of Hahn Hall prior to the start of the Academy's 2008 Summer School and Festival. Previously, she served as artistic administrator of the Aspen Music Festival and School from 1999 through 2003, and as manager and general manager of The Cleveland Orchestra from 1990 through 1998. Ms. Coe went to Cleveland from the Los Angeles Philharmonic, where, between 1986 and 1990, she served as administrator of the Philharmonic Institute (a summer professional training program), orchestra manager, and general manager. A graduate of Wellesley College in Massachusetts, she began her career as a staff member of the Spokane Symphony Orchestra from 1978 through 1985. Ms. Coe also is a member of the Ojai Music Festival Board.
Founded in 1969 and based in Sacramento, ACSO is the largest state orchestra association in the United States. Its membership has grown to include more than 400 individuals and organizations from throughout California and other states. The 26-member ACSO Board of Directors consists of trustees, music directors, musicians, volunteers, and staff. Membership is open to orchestras, choruses, and classical music presenters of all sizes; symphony leagues and guilds; youth orchestras; festivals; artist management companies; businesses; and individuals associated with orchestras or wishing to access the group's services.
"I am thrilled to have been elected president of the ACSO Board," said Ms. Coe. "For decades this organization has been at the forefront of advocacy for the classical music industry. I am truly honored to be part of ACSO's ongoing efforts."
Founded in 1947, the Music Academy of the West is among the nation's preeminent summer schools and festivals for gifted young classical musicians. The Academy provides these promising musicians with the opportunity for advanced study and frequent performance under the guidance of internationally renowned faculty artists, guest conductors, and soloists. Admission to the Academy is strictly merit based, and Fellows receive full scholarships (tuition, room, and board). Academy alumni are members of major symphony orchestras, chamber orchestras, ensembles, opera companies, and university and conservatory faculties throughout the world. Many enjoy careers as prominent solo artists. Based in Santa Barbara, the Music Academy of the West presents more than 200 public events annually, including performances by faculty, visiting artists, and Fellows; masterclasses; orchestra and chamber music concerts; and fully staged opera. The Music Academy began broadcasting live performances by the world-renowned Metropolitan Opera at Hahn Hall in October 2008. For more information, visit www.musicacademy.org.
