We received this email from Music in the Mountains:
Dear Jeff,
I have some important news for you today.
After seven years at the artistic helm of Music in the Mountains, Pete Nowlen has decided to retire from this position, effective at the end of SummerFest 2019.
In his letter of resignation, he said, “It has been a highlight of my career to get to lead this wonderful organization for the past 7 years and to have watched it thrive for the past 30.
“I will always be part of the Music in the Mountains family and am so pleased to know that there are highly capable hands to take the reins. I look forward to watching the exciting developments in the next era for Music in the Mountains!”
We, of course, have assured Pete of our sadness at his decision and the gratitude we have for his many years of service: first as a superlative principal horn in our orchestra, and then as Artistic Director. We will miss his many talents, both artistic and administrative, as well as counting him as a friend. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.
Pete alluded in his comment above to “highly capable hands to take the reins.” Our Board of Directors couldn’t agree more, and I am pleased to announce that we have promoted Ryan Murray to Artistic Director and Conductor effective July 5th. As you know, Ryan has been our Choral Director for many years, and also our Resident Conductor for the past few seasons. His new position will essentially combine what he has done in the past with what Pete’s job encompassed.
Upon accepting the position, Ryan commented, “I am so thrilled to be taking on this new position at Music in the Mountains. I have been with MIM for 11 years now – it’s such an exceptional organization, and I am really looking forward to this opportunity to engage with both our organization and our community on a deeper level. I am very excited about the future, and I look forward to seeing all of you soon for another great summer of music!”
We are so fortunate to have someone of Ryan’s caliber, who is already a valued member of our family, ready and eager to take on this responsibility. I hope you will join with us in welcoming Ryan to his new position!
Although we hate to see Pete go, I see a bright future for Music in the Mountains and can’t wait to see what delights are in store for us…
Take care,
Terry M. Brown, president
Music in the Mountains Board of Directors