He Creates World-Renown Music From Behind The Scenes – with Joe McKenna | Episode 152
If you’re a concert lover like me I’ll bet you rarely consider the behind-the-scenes effort it takes to create the audible art we enjoy – especially when it entails hundreds of moving parts.
But for any production to work well it needs planning, staff, and leadership to help the musicians actually deliver an excellent performance.
Hi, I’m your host Bob Williams, and I’m very pleased to welcome Joe McKenna, President & CEO of the Sarasota Orchestra.
In this episode, you’ll learn …
- One thing that most people don’t know about Joe
- Why he chose a career in the performing arts
- What it’s like to manage 50+ staff members in 10 different departments plus Music Festivals, Concert Series, Youth Orchestra, and Summer Camps
- Why & how the next generation of “Fellows” end up here from all over the world
- An update on the new world-class, 32-acre music hall campus on Fruitville Road
- …. and much much more!
Thank you for stopping by today as it is my hope you will listen … learn … and connect!
About Joseph McKenna
Originally from the state of Rhode Island, Joe joined the Orchestra in 2001
Joe oversees all operational and administrative functions. He is responsible for executing the strategic direction of the Board and ensuring the organization’s financial security.
During his tenure, the endowment corpus increased by more than $10 million, the Youth Orchestra had its debut performance at Carnegie Hall and the orchestra re-launched its brand including the name change to Sarasota Orchestra.
His previous positions include Managing Director of the Cedarburg Performing Arts Center (in Wisconsin), Executive Director of the Great Woods Educational Forum, and Assistant Professor of Music at Wheaton College.
Joe holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Trombone Performance and Music Education from the New England Conservatory.