Anne-Marie McDermott appointed Music Director Designate

SANTA FE PRO MUSICA APPOINTS ANNE-MARIE MCDERMOTT ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Internationally acclaimed pianist to become Pro Musica’s first new artistic director since Tom O’Connor and Carol Redman founded the organization in 1980.

SANTA FE, NM, MAY 1, 2020 – Santa Fe Pro Musica today announced the appointment of Anne-Marie McDermott as the organization’s first new Artistic Director since the organization was co-founded by the eminent woodwind musicians Tom O’Connor and Carol Redman in 1980. Over the coming two seasons, Ms. McDermott will transition into her new role overseeing the Pro Musica Orchestra and String Works Series while O’Connor prepares to step down from his post as Music Director (as announced last year). The Pro Musica Baroque Ensemble will continue to be led by co-founder Carol Redman. The appointment is the result of a national search to fill the leadership role and part of a strategic planning process that began in the 2017-18 season.

McDermott is a renowned international performer, balancing an eclectic career as a pianist, chamber musician, and artistic director of several festivals, including the Bravo! Vail Music Festival in Colorado (2011-present). Over the past five years, McDermott has performed with Pro Musica on numerous occasions, where she delighted audiences and developed dynamic working relationships with many of Pro Musica’s musicians and staff.

“In our search for the person who would take Pro Musica forward into the future,” said Tom O’Connor, “we wanted an internationally renowned artist with significant artistic director experience who understood the mission and culture of the organization and would be able to take it to the next level, even during this time of unprecedented uncertainty in the face of COVID-19. Anne-Marie fits those criteria to a tee, and we believe she is the ideal person to help us navigate the unknown challenges that lie ahead.”

McDermott’s appointment positions Pro Musica for a new era of growth while staying true to the dedicated, inspired, and successful leadership of its founders that made Pro Musica a community leader and a magnet for excellence. Bernard van der Hoeven, President of the Pro Musica Board of Trustees, “We were committed to finding a director who would honor the foundations and philosophy of Pro Musica while also taking bold steps into an even brighter future. In Anne-Marie McDermott, we found a perfect fit, and together, we are charting a thrilling path forward.”

McDermott said, “It is a huge honor to deepen my relationship with Pro Musica as Artistic Director. There is an artistic aesthetic in Santa Fe—a commitment to collaboration and the wholeness of the human being—that has spoken to me since my very first visit. I look forward to building on the remarkable organization Tom and Carol have created, bringing new voices and ideas to Santa Fe so that we can provide unforgettable musical experiences for members of our community.”

About Anne-Marie McDermott

An international performer and artistic director, Anne-Marie McDermott balances a versatile career as a pianist and chamber musician, including solo recitals, chamber music appearances, and concertos with major American orchestras. McDermott has an extensive discography with Bridge Records. She serves as Artistic Director of the celebrated Bravo! Vail Music Festival (Colorado), the Ocean Reef Chamber Music Festival (Florida), and the McKnight Chamber Music Festival (Oklahoma). She is an Avery Fisher Career Grant recipient and a Young Concert Artists alumna.

McDermott has performed with Pro Musica on numerous occasions. Her first appearances included a chamber music recital with the ensemble Opus One, followed by performances with the Pro Musica Orchestra in Beethoven’s Triple Concerto. Subsequent performances included all five Beethoven piano concertos in 2017, and three Mozart piano concertos in 2018 and 2019. In January 2021 she is scheduled to perform Mozart’s Piano Concerto, K. 503.

About Santa Fe Pro Musica

Santa Fe Pro Musica is a GRAMMY-nominated classical-music performing and presenting organization, which has pioneered live classical music performances throughout the state of New Mexico for nearly 40 years, and currently offers more than 30 public events annually. Pro Musica’s acclaimed Orchestra and Baroque Ensemble are guided by a collaborative chamber-music aesthetic that treats every player on stage as an equal member of the group and channels this collaboration to create outstanding musical performances. Pro Musica also presents a series of touring string quartets and community engagement events. Pro Musica’s offerings are widely recognized for their musical excellence and innovative programming, including newly commissioned works and works by women, alongside the classical canon. Founded by Tom O’Connor and Carol Redman in 1980, Santa Fe Pro Musica celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2021.