Kapella Announces Departure From Symphony of Northwest Arkansas
by February 10, 2014 10:41 am 412 views
Karen Kapella, the executive director of the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas, has announced her resignation from the organization, effective at the end of the current season in May.
Kapella said in a news release she is leaving the position after six years in order to spend more time with her family.
A search committee will lead a national search for a new executive director.
Under Kapella’s leadership, the nonprofit organization has experienced tremendous growth. In November, the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal reported since 2008, when the old symphony crashed, the orchestra’s revenue has grown by a staggering 443 percent.
From fiscal 2011 to 2013, the budget grew by 257 percent, from $182,000 to $650,000 — and SoNA is in the black.
“We look at every penny and don’t waste a cent,” Kapella told the Business Journal.
“I speak for the entire SoNA Board in saying that we will never be able to thank Karen enough for all she has done to provide the vision and leadership to help reorganize and build SoNA into the professional musical experience it is today,” Cindy Benward Smith, chairperson of SoNA’s board of directors, said in a news release. “She has provided expertise in all areas of development needed to create the kind of professional orchestra that Northwest Arkansas deserves. The board is committed to continue building upon the foundation of quality in all aspects of orchestral music.”
Kapella will work the new director to ensure a smooth transition, the release said.
“The past six years have provided some of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life,” she said. “I’m so grateful for God’s gift of music, for His direction and blessings throughout this time, and for the many people who have played a major role in not only our symphony’s rebirth, but in its success and exciting growth. Northwest Arkansas can be very proud to be home to our wonderful orchestra. I look forward to passing the baton to a new director, and to becoming a patron and continued donor.”