Announcing Daniel Nitsch as Executive Director

The Festival has announced the appointment of Daniel Nitsch as Executive Director. Nitsch joined the Festival staff in 2015 as Director of Admissions and Operations and served as Acting Executive Director for the 2016 summer season. He has proven himself a very strong leader and highly collaborative team member. Together with the staff and faculty, he created and executed a recruitment plan that brought more applications than ever before in the 53 year history of the Festival. Nitsch has assumed all operational responsibilities for the Festival.

Nitsch came to the Festival from Yellow Barn Music Festival and Institute in Putney, Vermont, where he was Operations Manager. He is a graduate of Oberlin College with a Bachelor of Music degree in Classical Guitar Performance. While at Oberlin, Nitsch had internships with American Bach Soloists, the Cleveland Orchestra, and Music@Menlo, and was assistant conductor of the Northern Ohio Youth Orchestra.

“Significant among Dan’s many talents is his ability to listen and his ability to bring the best out of those around him. He has handled every challenge that has already come his way with thoughtful and effective problem solving,” says Phillip Ying, Co-Artistic Director. “With a strong background in music, Dan’s perceptive judgment of people and situations is far beyond his years.”

“Dan approaches every situation with grace and intelligence, and his capable and reassuring presence helps us all focus clearly on the music making, teaching, and learning at the Festival.,” says David Ying, Co-Artistic Director. “I am thrilled to work with him to forge a brilliant future for the Festival.”

In its 53rd year, the Bowdoin International Music Festival brings renowned artist instructors, performers, soloists, and gifted pre-professional classical musicians from around the world to beautiful Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, for six weeks of intensive chamber music study, collaboration, and performance.

Musicians from groups such as the Jupiter and Ying Quartets, the Houston and Detroit Symphonies, and major conservatories including Juilliard, Eastman, Indiana, Peabody, New England Conservatory, and London’s Royal College collaborate with our summer study participants and present nearly 100 concerts and public educational events each season. Applications are currently being accepted for the 2017 summer season.

“The Board, staff, and faculty could not have been more impressed and pleased with Dan’s leadership as Acting Executive Director during the 2016 summer season,” says Elliot Rosen, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. “At the conclusion of the very successful 52^nd season the Board unanimously asked Dan to continue as our full time Executive Director. The staff and Board are excited and energized by Dan’s outlook, breadth of knowledge, and ideas for the future.”

“I’m honored to be among the leaders of an organization that has demonstrated consistent dedication and enthusiasm for excellence in classical music,” says Nitsch. “The vibrancy of the community, participants, instructors, staff, and Board of Trustees is contagious. I look forward to helping the Festival maintain its time-tested mission while exploring new and effective avenues for expression and mentorship in the arts.”