Santa Fe Pro Musica Executive Director Andrea Cassutt departs after two successful seasons
Santa Fe Pro Musica, one of the Southwest’s leading performing arts organizations, today announced that Executive Director Andréa Cassutt will be leaving her post in late May to pursue other interests. Ms. Cassutt came to Pro Musica after executive positions with Santa Fe Youth Symphony Association and Performance Santa Fe.
“Andréa has demonstrated skilled leadership in navigating the many challenges of the last two years as Pro Musica reopened and began to rebuild after the pandemic,” says Scott Baker, President of the Santa Fe Pro Musica Board of Trustees. “Amid the uncertainty facing all arts organizations at this time, she has assembled a strong staff, advanced a culture of collaboration and teamwork, and established much needed organizational infrastructure and professionalism to support Pro Musica’s future.”
Under Cassutt’s leadership, Pro Musica joined in creating the first annual Santa Fe winter arts festival, Art + Sol, in collaboration with executive directors Amy Iwano of Performance Santa Fe, and Emma Scherer of Santa Fe Symphony. Cassutt’s work in collaboration, education, and community outreach has positioned Pro Musica strongly as an arts non-profit focused on musical excellence and community engagement and accessibility. Cassutt helped maintain and expand Pro Musica’s funding relationships with government and foundation grants and advanced its need for an expanded network of audience and donors. In late April, Cassutt and Colin Jacobsen, Pro Musica’s artistic director, hosted Sneakers & Sequins, Pro Musica’s first gala event and next season reveal party at CCA.
Attendee and board member, Jessica Smucker said, “If future concerts are anything like what we heard [at this event], the Santa Fe music community is in for a real treat.” Jacobsen, violinist, composer, arranger, and called by the Washington Post “One of the most interesting figures on the classical music scene,” was appointed Pro Musica’s artistic director in September 2022.
“Since joining Pro Musica as artistic director this past fall, it has been a pleasure to work closely with Andréa in getting to know all aspects of the organization and operation. I can't wait to share next season's concerts, engagement activities and special events, all planned with Andréa’s close collaboration. I'm grateful for all the energy and dedication she has given to Pro Musica and wish her every success in her next path,” said Jacobsen.
“My time with Pro Musica has been rich and rewarding and this was a difficult decision. Working collaboratively with Colin Jacobsen for the last eight months has been a career highlight, including shared vision and teamwork. I look forward to enjoying exciting concerts and the evolution of Pro Musica under his artistic leadership,” Cassutt said.
“The board is meeting to chart the way forward, setting up a process that best addresses our short- and long-term needs as an organization for continued service to our musicians and the community,” said Scott Baker, board president.
Founded 40 years ago by Thomas O’Connor and Carol Redman, Santa Fe Pro Musica brings together outstanding musicians to inspire and educate audiences of all ages through the performance of great music. Pro Musica’s three-pillared performance platform includes an Orchestra Series featuring the Pro Musica orchestra and renowned soloists and guest conductors at the Lensic Performing Arts Center; a String Quartet Series presenting world-renowned string quartets at St. Francis Auditorium; and, a Baroque Ensemble Series featuring the Pro Musica Baroque Ensemble led in turns by Stephen Redfield and Colin Jacobsen in smaller, historic venues. Pro Musica’s GRAMMY-nominated resident orchestra is widely recognized for performance excellence and innovative programming, presenting classical masterpieces alongside exciting contemporary works. Pro Musica continues its commitment to the Women of Distinction Initiative, and commissioning new works.