BRUNSWICK

The Bowdoin International Music Festival has announced the appointment of Daniel Nitsch as its new executive director.

Nitsch joined the festival staff in 2015 as director of admissions and operations. Together with the staff and faculty, he created and executed a recruitment plan that brought more a record number of applications to the festival.

Nitsch came to the festival from Yellow Barn Music Festival and Institute in Putney, Vermont, where he was operations manager. He is a graduate of Oberlin College with a Bachelor of Music degree in Classical Guitar Performance. While at Oberlin, Nitsch had internships with American Bach Soloists, the Cleveland Orchestra, and Music@ Menlo, and was assistant conductor of the Northern Ohio Youth Orchestra.

“Significant among Dan’s many talents is his ability to listen and his ability to bring the best out of those around him,” said Phillip Ying, co-artistic director of BIMF. “With a strong background in music, Dan’s perceptive judgment of people and situations is far beyond his years.”

“Dan approaches every situation with grace and intelligence, and his capable and reassuring presence helps us all focus clearly on the music making, teaching, and learning at the Festival,” said David Ying, co-artistic director of BIMF. “I am thrilled to work with him to forge a brilliant future for the festival.”

In its 53rd year, the Bowdoin International Music Festival brings artist instructors, performers, soloists and gifted pre-professional classical musicians from around the world to Bowdoin College in Brunswick for six weeks of intensive chamber music study, collaboration, and performance.

Musicians from groups such as the Jupiter and Ying Quartets, the Houston and Detroit Symphonies and major conservatories including Juilliard, Eastman, Indiana, Peabody, New England Conservatory and London’s Royal College collaborate with our summer study participants and present nearly 100 concerts and public educational events each season. Applications are currently being accepted for the 2017 summer season.

“The Board, staff, and faculty could not have been more impressed and pleased with Dan’s leadership as acting executive director during the 2016 summer season,” said Elliot Rosen, chairman of the BIMF board of trustees. “At the conclusion of the very successful 52nd season the board unanimously asked Dan to continue as our full time executive director. The staff and board are excited and energized by Dan’s outlook, breadth of knowledge, and ideas for the future.”

“I’m honored to be among the leaders of an organization that has demonstrated consistent dedication and enthusiasm for excellence in classical music,” said Nitsch. “The vibrancy of the community, participants, instructors, staff, and Board of Trustees is contagious. I look forward to helping the Festival maintain its time-tested mission while exploring new and effective avenues for expression and mentorship in the arts.”

For more information, visit bowdoinfestival.org.