May 22, 2006
Maryland Symphony Orchestra Executive Director Steps Down; MSO Board Names New Executive Director

HAGERSTOWN, MD - - The Board of Directors of the Maryland Symphony Orchestra has announced that Executive Director Jean Hamilton will be leaving the MSO at the end of the current season, and that Andrew Kipe has been named as new Executive Director for the Hagerstown-based non-profit.

After four years as Executive Director of the MSO, and six years as General Manager of the National Symphony Orchestra, Ms. Hamilton plans to pursue projects and consulting in the nonprofit field, working from her base in the Eastern Panhandle of WV. During her tenure at the MSO, Ms. Hamilton strengthened the administrative, financial and artistic structures of the orchestra, introduced a planned giving program, and guided the organization to a 29% increase in overall revenue, enabling successful expansions in educational & artistic programming. She also spearheaded efforts to install a new acoustic shell in the Maryland Theatre.

"Jean's contributions to the Maryland Symphony Orchestra over the past several years have been truly revolutionary,” said MSO Board President Brendan Fitzsimmons. “She has worked diligently with the Board, Staff and Musicians to implement an infrastructure upon which our organization's dreams may be realized. She will truly be missed. As saddened as we are at Jean’s departure we are equally delighted to be welcoming Andrew Kipe to the MSO family. His energy, his
experience and his vision for the Orchestra will allow us to continue to grow and serve the citizen's of our region. We look forward to the many positive contributions that Andrew will make to the MSO in the coming years."

Currently General Manager of the Portland (Maine) Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Kipe has ten years of experience in arts administration, having served as Orchestra Manager at Portland, Operations Manager for the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, and Coordinator of Performance Activities at St. Mary’s College. A graduate of South Hagerstown High School, the Hagerstown native holds a B.A. in Music from St. Mary’s College of Maryland, and was a Finalist in the American Symphony Orchestra League Orchestra Management Fellowship Program.

"My appointment as Executive Director of the Maryland Symphony Orchestra has special meaning for me,” said Mr. Kipe. “Having been born and raised in Hagerstown, my first experience with live orchestral music was at an MSO concert and it made a lasting impact on me. I am honored and very excited about joining the MSO team and working to continue to bring first class orchestral music to the quad-state area."

As Executive Director, Mr. Kipe will be responsible for the overall operations of the orchestra and administrative staff, including working with the Music Director and Board committees on long-range planning and the overall artistic vision of the MSO.

The Maryland Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Elizabeth Schulze, is celebrating its 25th season during 2006-2007. It is the area’s premiere professional orchestra, dedicated to providing musical performances and programs that educate and entertain while enhancing the cultural environment of Western Maryland and the surrounding region.