WSO Spotlight
WSO Announces the Appointment of Executive Director Heidi Stubner
The Waterbury Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce that it has selected Heidi Stubner as its new Executive Director, following an extensive executive search process led by the WSO. She will begin her tenure on July 1, 2021.
As a multi-faceted executive administrator and professional musician, Ms. Stubner has enjoyed an extensive career as a violinist in New York’s free-lance community. She was a long-time member of the American Symphony Orchestra, the Bard Festival, and numerous Broadway shows as well as a recitalist and chamber musician both nationally and abroad. For over a decade, she was the Founder, Artistic and Executive Director of the Hudson Highlands Music Festival in the Hudson River Valley.
"I am delighted that Heidi Stubner will be joining the WSO as Executive Director. She brings a wealth of experience and musical knowledge to the organization and tremendous energy and enthusiasm to our artistic and educational mission," said WSO Music Director & Conductor Leif Bjaland.
In making the announcement, WSO Board Chair Don Fiftal said "Heidi Stubner is a relentless advocate for the power of live music, inclusion, equity, and diversity. She is the right leader at the right time. Her experience and expertise as a professional musician and arts administrator will help us forge dynamic and diverse programs that are meaningful to our community."
Ms. Stubner served as Managing Director of Horizon Concerts, an organization that brought music to neglected audiences in New York City, including nursing homes, senior centers, homeless shelters, and AIDS hospices. She organized inter-generational concerts, bringing together senior citizens and public school children, combining visual art and music in live performances at Alice Tully Hall in NYC and other area venues. In addition to procuring grants for Artists-in-Residence at Bard High School Early College, she served on the faculty.
In conjunction with the Hudson Highlands Music Festival, Ms. Stubner’s dedication and commitment to reaching underserved communities was reflected in her development of and fundraising for music programs for at-risk children from the Break Aways program in Manhattan and public schools throughout the Hudson River Valley. Her innovative approach to strategic artistic partnerships and fundraising during her nine-year tenure as Assistant Dean at Manhattan School of Music demonstrated her commitment to the development of young musicians through live music, culminating in prominent events both in the Tri-state area and in Europe.
In an administrative and performing capacity, she has worked with artists including Kurt Masur, Jessye Norman, Andrea Bocelli, The Roots, Harvey Fierstein, Bernadette Peters, Reba McEntire, and Audra McDonald. Before joining the WSO, Ms. Stubner was the Vice President and Associate Director of the Medical Musician Initiative based in NYC. She is a passionate champion for enhancing healing through integrated critical care that incorporates music as medicine.
“I am honored to be joining such a passionate and dedicated team of Board of Directors, artists and administrators,” said Ms. Stubner. “I am excited to dive into the Waterbury community and further the mission that already is the WSO.”
Ms. Stubner is relocating from New York City with her 14 year-old daughter who is an avid singer. She plans to actively immerse herself in the Waterbury community. “As a Connecticut native, it is thrilling to renew my connection and commitment to this region. Through our collective endeavors we will bring much joy to our community from age one to 101.’’
