(April 30, 2020) Santa Barbara, CA – The Board of Directors of the Santa Barbara Symphony Association announces that Kevin Marvin, CEO, today informed the Symphony Board of his intent to resign and return to Colorado for personal and family reasons. During Kevin’s tenure, the Symphony presented three seasons of sublime concerts under the direction of our Music and Artistic Director, Maestro Nir Kabaretti performed by world-class Central Coast and Southern Californian orchestra musicians. Marvin was responsible for bringing the healing power of music to the community with the benefit concert “Music for Healing and Community” at the Granada Theatre, after the twin disasters of fire and devastating mudslides. In addition, he organized and presented the Symphony’s successful 65th Anniversary Gala fundraiser.
“We are proud to have been led by Kevin and we wish him success in his future endeavors,” Board President Janet Garufis stated. “We are Santa Barbara’s Symphony and have been here for our community during many challenges over our more than 65-year history – a testimonial to the healing power of symphonic music and the loyalty of our Symphony family and friends. The Board, artistic leadership, musicians and staff all share a resolve and optimism in this fluid environment.”
Clearly, and especially because of the human and financial impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, this next phase in the Symphony’s journey creates an unprecedented opportunity to explore new and innovative ways to deliver its mission in virtual settings, capitalize on the Symphony’s reputation for artistic excellence, and experience partnering with schools and youth throughout the region in music education programs.
Effective Friday, May 1, the Symphony Board has appointed veteran arts leader Kathryn R. Martin as interim CEO/Executive Director. As a transition strategist and Next Chapter Coach, she has a 30-year career leading arts and culture organizations during times of change and transition. Martin will once again bring her vast arts leadership experience to our community, as she so successfully did for the Santa Barbara Symphony several years ago and most recently, at the Tucson Symphony Orchestra. Kathryn and her husband recently moved to Santa Barbara and is a board member of the Association of California Symphony Orchestras.
A national search is anticipated to be launched in the Fall.
