“As the Louisville Orchestra enters its 80th season, Executive Director and Jeffersontown resident Andrew Kipe is helping the organization engage with the community and redefine what it means to be an orchestra in the 21st century,” writes Shannon Siders in Monday’s (11/27) Towne Post (Kentucky). “Kipe took the helm of the orchestra in November 2013…. He was especially impressed by the Board of Directors’ commitment and strong leadership … and seized the opportunity to help get the orchestra back on the right track [after a bankruptcy filing]. During the transition, widely-acclaimed conductor Teddy Abrams was brought on as music director…. The pair work closely to provide high-quality programming that appeals to a broad audience, while managing to be profitable…. They have accomplished just that, seeing significant increases in ticket income, season subscriptions, single ticket sales and individual donations since 2013…. Kipe, Abrams and the rest of the orchestra staff have [implemented] innovative programmatic offerings [including] a neighborhood series at local churches, synagogues and community centers, as well as performances at hospitals, non-profits, youth detention centers and shows for immigrant communities.” Says Kipe, “It feels like we’re in a place of stability right now…. Not that we can rest on those laurels.”
Posted November 28, 2017
