[SANTA FE, September 7, 2023]—The Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival today
announced the appointment of David J. Kitto as its next Executive Director, succeeding
Steven Ovitsky, who retired as Executive Director on August 31 after 20 seasons of
leadership with the organization. Kitto assumes his new role on October 30.
An accomplished and dedicated arts leader, Kitto comes to Santa Fe from his position in
Washington, D.C. as Executive Director at the National Theatre Foundation, where he
has overseen capital planning, fundraising, marketing, operations, and community and
educational programs since 2019.
“The Festival is fortunate to welcome David Kitto as its next Executive Director,” said
Ralph Craviso, President of the Board of Trustees. “He brings a wealth of experience in
performing arts management, including extensive experience in arts marketing. I and
the rest of the Board look forward to our collaboration as the Festival moves into a new
era under David’s leadership.”
“David Kitto brings a wonderful passion for chamber music to the Festival,” said Artistic
Director Marc Neikrug. “I look forward to our partnership as we look toward our 51st year
presenting excellent chamber music to Santa Fe.”
Kitto’s career experience stems from a deep passion for the performing arts, which he
brings to his new role after having served as Interim President of The Conrad Prebys
Performing Arts Center / La Jolla Music Society (2018-19), as an independent
consultant, as Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales at The John F. Kennedy
Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. (2001-2017), and, before that, as
Director of Marketing and Ticket Operations at Carnegie Hall (1983 to 2000).
“I am thrilled to be given the opportunity and privilege to lead the renowned Santa Fe
Chamber Music Festival,” said David J. Kitto. “I look forward to working with Marc
Neikrug, the Board of Trustees, and the entire staff to build upon the great successes of
this revered festival’s first 50 years, as it enters its next 50.”
The Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival is one of the world’s preeminent music festivals,
demonstrating the depth and breadth of the chamber music repertoire through uniquely curated,
high-level programming and performances. Its concerts are performed in two
beautiful, intimate, and historic venues: St. Francis Auditorium in the New Mexico
Museum of Art and The Lensic Performing Arts Center. As part of its longstanding
commitment to championing new music, the Festival has presented 115 commissioned
works from leading and emerging composers over the course of its 50-year history. The
Festival also offers music education programs throughout the year to students in select
Santa Fe and northern New Mexico public schools.
LOCAL PRESS
The Santa Fe New Mexican
David Kitto named new executive director of Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival
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Media contact:
Rachelle Roe, 312.618.6655
