Symphony San Jose has announced a new general director, Robert Massey — a classical music executive with 25 years experience — to succeed founding president Andrew Bales.
Bales shepherded the creation of what was then called Symphony Silicon Valley out of the ashes of the San Jose Symphony, which had dissolved into bankruptcy. Now, 20 years later, it’ll be up to Massey to keep classical music relevant in San Jose in an atmosphere cluttered with entertainment options and the always-present shadow of world-class arts organizations in San Francisco that tend to suck up a big chunk of attention (and philanthropic money).
But this may be the kind of challenge Massey is well-suited for, having led three multimillion-dollar fundraising campaigns and turning around the fortunes of symphonies in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Jacksonville, Fla, where he helped raise both attendance and fundraising. His most recent stint, however, was as CEO of the Louisville Orchestra, a job that seems to have been a poor fit and lasted just a year until right before the pandemic started in 2020.
Symphony San Jose Board Chair Dick Conniff said the board was thrilled to bring Massey into the fold. “Highly respected across the country with a rich history of musical expertise, he is the ideal leader to bring us together and strengthen our connection and impact in the community,” he said.
He certainly should be able to build on the framework created by Bales, who announced his retirement in September. That included innovations like the free, outdoor pops concerts in the summer, film concerts and special events like the upcoming four “Dragon Ball Z” concerts Memorial Day weekend where cosplay among anime fans will be encouraged.
THROWBACK SOIREE FOR CITY LIGHTS: Flapper dresses abounded Saturday night at City Lights Theater Company’s fundraising gala — a Roaring ’20s-themed affair at the Hearts and Minds Activity Center in San Jose that also celebrated Executive Artistic Director Lisa Mallette’s 20 years at the helm.
“It has been such a privilege for me to serve City Lights and the city of San Jose. City Lights has been a bit of a love affair for me,” said Mallette, who was surprised by a commendation from San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo. “I have never been so proud of our staff and board as I have been during this worldwide pandemic. We pulled together like I have never seen a group of people pull together.”
They did pretty good before the pandemic, too, increasing the budget from $172,000 when Mallette arrived to $1.2 million — and finishing in the black for 16 seasons. Mallette herself has directed 20 shows out of the 117 productions she’s overseen the past two decades.
Figures are still being figured, but I’m told it was City Lights most successful fundraiser yet. There’s not a lot of time to spend on congratulations, though: City Lights opens its next show, “Waiting for Next,” on May 19, and then Mallette is back directing for the summer musical, “Fun Home,” based on Alison Bechdel’s acclaimed graphic novel. Go to www.cltc.org for details.
MEMORIAL CONCERT: Internationally renowned clarinetist Jon Manasse will join the San Jose Wind Symphony as it pays tribute May 15 to its founding conductor, Darrell Johnson, who died in May 2021 at age 90. Johnson founded the group in 1957 and led it for 44 years before passing the conductor’s baton to Edward C. Harris, who remains at the podium 20 seasons later.
The program for “Remembering Darrell,” a 3 p.m. concert at the McAfee Center in Saratoga, will include some of the maestro’s favorites, including the overture to “Candide,” by Leonard Bernstein, and “Shenandoah,” arranged by Frank Ticheli. Johnson was also a clarinetist, so it’s very appropriate to have Manasse on stage to perform “Concerto No. 1 in F Minor for Clarinet,” by Carl Maria von Weber.
Masks and proof of vaccination will be required, and tickets will not be sold at the door. Get tickets or more details at www.sjws.org.
Source: www.mercurynews.com