NancyBell Coe to Retire as MAW President
For Immediate Release November 23, 2009
Contact:
Tim Dougherty
805.695.7908
Santa Barbara, CA – NancyBell Coe, whose tenure as president of the Music Academy of the West has been marked by bold capital improvement and programmatic initiatives, has announced her intention to retire following the Academy's 2010 Summer Festival. Music Academy Board Chairman James E. Davidson will oversee efforts to name a successor.
"I love the Music Academy, and this decision, which was difficult to make, simply reflects my desire to spend more time with my (still new) husband," said Ms. Coe in a written statement distributed to Academy patrons and other supporters. "I know that, despite the continuing financial pressure, the future is very bright for our wonderful and beloved organization, making this an opportune time for new leadership, perspective, and energy."
Since becoming just the third president in Music Academy history in July 2004, Ms. Coe has presided over a series of ambitious campus efforts, including the renovation of Hahn Hall prior to the start of the Academy's 2008 Summer School and Festival. The Academy's stature has grown steadily in recent years, resulting in a record number of applications for its 2009 Summer School and Festival and increased national notice for its programmatic offerings.
"NancyBell Coe has been an outstanding president," said Mr. Davidson, whose term as Board chairman will expire in December. "I've enjoyed working closely with her these past few years. Her leadership has positioned the Academy for a new era of exceptional classical music. She imparts an impressive legacy of growth and excellence as both a cultural and an educational institution."
A graduate of Wellesley College in Massachusetts, Ms. Coe began her lengthy career in classical music administration as a staff member of the Spokane Symphony Orchestra from 1978 through 1985. Prior to being named president of the Music Academy, 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. Ms. Coe began serving a one-year term as president of the Board of Directors for the Association of California Symphony Orchestras (ACSO) on October 1. She also is a member of the Ojai Music Festival Board. Ms. Coe intends to maintain the latter affiliations following her retirement as Music Academy president.
Ms. Coe and her husband, print broker Bill Burke, will continue to live in Santa Barbara. The couple married two years ago.
"I am very sad that she is leaving," said celebrated mezzo-soprano Marilyn Horne, who has directed the Academy's renowned Voice Program since 1997. "I have loved working with her, but I do understand that she wants more life with her husband. I will miss her, but am delighted to know she and Bill will be with us still in Santa Barbara. Aren't we lucky?"
"NancyBell has indeed been a bell, whose pure, sweet ring has become the sound of the Music Academy," said Jerome Lowenthal, who has been a solo piano faculty member at the Academy since 1970. "She will leave us bereft, but grateful."
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 screening live performances by the world-renowned Metropolitan Opera at Hahn Hall in October 2008. For more information, visit www.musicacademy.org.
