“In 1979, Barbara Smith-Soroca became the CEO of a symphony poised for change,” writes Liz Skalka in Wednesday’s (10/11) Stamford Advocate (CT). “The first concert she attended at Westhill High School drew only 300 people in a space that could fit 1,400. The organization had a $60,000 budget and $20,000 deficit.… Under her leadership, the group became a destination for professional musicians and larger audiences, eventually earning a reputation as the leading symphony based between New York City and Boston. After 39 years at its administrative helm, Smith-Soroca announced last week she’s retiring from the symphony in January, in the midst of its search for a new music director and conductor to replace Eckart Preu, who led the group for 12 years. Her successor is Russell Jones, who has experience in orchestra administration in the United States and United Kingdom.… ‘It’s time,’ said Smith-Soroca, 71.… ‘Organizations need change or they stagnate. We’re in the search for a new music director, so this just feels like the right time.’ … ‘The reason Barbara has been so incredibly successful in her tenure as CEO and president of the Stamford Symphony is her focus on managing the orchestra holistically,’ board member Steve Parrish said.”
Posted October 13, 2017
