Music in the Mountains names new executive director

Nevada County, CA, November 4, 2011 – Music in the Mountains, the largest classical music organization of the Sierra Foothills, announced today that it has named Cristine Kelly as Executive Director. In that position, she will have the overall strategic implementation and operational responsibility for MIM. Kelly brings expertise in local nonprofits and fundraising to MIM. She will join the organization on November 28, just prior to the WinterFest choral concerts.

Kelly most recently served as executive director of the Nevada City-based Sierra Mentoring Partnership, an organization that is dedicated to growing quality mentoring for local youth. Prior to that she was co-executive director for the Ama Foundation, a grassroots US-based 501(c) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing the most underprivileged children of Nepal with loving homes, education and secure lives.

Kelly is a native of New England and received her B.A. degree in Philosophy from the University of Massachusetts. She serves on various committees for the local Center for Non-Profit Leadership, is commissioner for the Nevada County Adult and Family Services Commission and a member of the Board of Directors for the Nevada County Digital Media Center (formerly NCTV).

“I am delighted to be named to this position and look forward to working with the MIM team and the world-renowned artistic director, Gregory Vajda,” Kelly said. “Music is the shared language of this community and for 30 years Music in the Mountains has led the way. I look forward to contributing to the continued growth of the organization.”

Kelly’s daughter, violinist Matisse Geenty, has participated in MIM’s Young Musicians’ Competition and Young Composers’ programs. Kelly plays the cello herself and is a supporter of classical music.

“We are thrilled to have Cristine join our MIM family. She is a classical music supporter and a musician herself, has an accomplished professional history and is devoted to our community,” commented Sherry Bartolucci, MIM Board of Directors president. “Cristine also has first-hand experience of our extensive education offerings and will be an excellent resource as we grow those programs.”

Music in the Mountains, founded in 1982, is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Nevada County by presenting outstanding performances of predominantly classical music and by offering educational opportunities for youth and adults in music appreciation, performance and composition. Fueled by hundreds of volunteers and donors, the organization includes the Festival Orchestra, with 55 professional players from around the country, and the 90-voice Festival Chorale a highly acclaimed, auditioned vocal group.