Jolliffe and Gustin Join Symphony as Co-Interim Executive Directors

    KALAMAZOO, MI, February 22, 2019 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Two well-known Kalamazoo music and arts leaders will serve as co-interim executive directors of the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, effective immediately. Judy Jolliffe and Daniel R. Gustin will share symphony leadership duties while the organization's board of directors launch a search for a permanent executive director. Jolliffe and Gustin replace former KSO president & chief executive officer, Peter Gistelinck, who left the organization earlier in the month.

"Both Judy and Dan have deep ties to the symphony, our musicians, our patrons, and the entire community," said Steven Kreider, KSO board chair. "They bring experience and passion for the arts in Kalamazoo that will help us continue our tradition of providing outstanding musical listening and learning experiences throughout the community. I am confident in the staff, the board, our donors and musicians, and our bright future. We all are excited to have Judy and Dan lead us through this transition."

"KSO musicians stand in solidarity with the KSO Board," said Noah Krzan, KSO bassist and chair, Musicians' Committee. "We remain committed to and passionate about presenting high-quality, enriching, and inspiring concerts for our community. We anticipate with excitement the planning of concerts and festivities for the KSO's 100th Anniversary. KSO musicians are optimistic for this next chapter in the KSO's history, and we look forward to continued collaboration with the board, our interim leadership, and KSO staff."

After retiring from a 30-year career at IBM Corporation, Jolliffe became the executive director of the Arts Council of Kalamazoo, where she led the Epic Center's development. She also was interim executive director for the KSO in 2013-2014, and she was interim executive director of the Gilmore Keyboard Festival in 1997-1998. She serves or has served on several boards, including the Dorothy U. Dalton Foundation, the Air Zoo, Bronson Health Foundation, the Gilmore Keyboard Festival, Epic Center, Fontana Chamber Music, and Education for the Arts.

Gustin most recently was director of The Gilmore International Keyboard Festival & Awards from 2000 through his 2018 retirement. Prior to coming to Kalamazoo, he was the long-term assistant managing director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and manager of the orchestra's summer festival at Tanglewood. He has interim leadership experience through two stints as the Boston Symphony Orchestra's acting managing director. He also has extensive leadership experience in managing the Boston Symphony Chamber Players and the Tanglewood Music Center, the Boston Symphony's summer academy for advanced musical study. A Michigan native, Gustin completed his Bachelor of Arts degree from Albion College and graduate studies at Boston University.

The KSO receives major support from the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation and the Kalamazoo Community Foundation. The KSO also is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. The KSO also receives generous support from other local, state and national foundations, as well as private and corporate support.

About the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra
Founded in 1921, the KSO (kalamazoosymphony.com) is Southwest Michigan's premiere musical organization and the state's third largest orchestra. Serving Michigan's fourth largest metropolitan area, the KSO provides more than 30 concert performances each year, reaching more than 80,000 adults and youth annually with exceptional symphonic music and world-class guest artists. With an equally vibrant educational mission, the KSO offers school-based programs that music teachers rely on to support their curriculum and after-school programs that have been recognized by the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Awards and Carnegie Hall's Weill Music Institute. The KSO has won numerous awards and grants, including the Met Life Award for Arts Access in Underserved Communities, and a major Ford Foundation grant to establish its innovative Artists in Residence program.

MEDIA CONTACT: Julie White, (269) 349.7759, [email protected]

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