FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 6, 2022
Lisa Kjentvet Named Director of Education and Community Engagement
Madison Symphony Orchestra promotes from within
Madison, Wis. – The Madison Symphony Orchestra (MSO) announced today that Lisa Kjentvet is the MSO’s next Director of Education and Community Engagement. Ms. Kjentvet, who has served as the MSO’s Education Assistant for the past five years, was chosen to lead the Education and Community Engagement Programs following an extensive search. She succeeds Kathryn Schwarzmann, who held the position for seven years prior to moving to California to pursue a new career in medicine.
“I am excited that Lisa Kjentvet has accepted the position of Director of Education and Community Education,”Executive Director Robert A. Reed states. “Although there was a strong pool of candidates for the position, Lisa stood out. Her passion for arts education, her extensive professional experience with various arts organizations, and her knowledge of the Madison Symphony Orchestra’s education and community programs made Lisa the best choice for the role. I look forward to our education and community programs growing and reaching far more people under Lisa’s tenure.”
“As conductor of the MSO’s education and community concerts I’ve had the distinct pleasure of working closely with Lisa these past few seasons,” MSO’s Associate Conductor Kyle Knox said. “In addition to being a wonderful colleague, she is a fierce advocate of music education, especially for young people. I can think of no one better suited to take on this important position; we are lucky to have her at the MSO.”
“I am honored to serve as the next Director of Education and Community Engagement for the Madison Symphony Orchestra,” Lisa Kjentvet expresses. “I am thrilled to serve our community through our impactful programs and look forward to working with our amazing team to advance our mission and promote lifelong engagement with music.”
About Lisa Kjentvet
Lisa Kjentvet is the Madison Symphony Orchestra’s Director of Education and Community Engagement. Ms. Kjentvet joined the administrative staff of the MSO in 2017 as Education Assistant. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison with a degree in General and Choral Music Education, she has taught in the Kettle Moraine School District, Madison Metropolitan School District and the Catholic Diocese of Madison while maintaining an active schedule as a clinician, performer and private piano and voice instructor. Ms. Kjentvet has worked with the Madison Youth Choirs and the former Madison Children’s Choir as a member of the artistic staff since 2000 during which time her choirs have appeared both regionally and internationally, and previously served as Artistic Director and later as Education and Outreach Coordinator.
About the Madison Symphony Orchestra
The Madison Symphony Orchestra celebrates its 97th season in 2022–2023. The MSO has grown to be one of America’s leading regional orchestras, providing Madison and south-central Wisconsin with cultural and educational opportunities to interact with great masterworks and top-tier guest artists from around the world. 2023–2024 is Music Director John DeMain’s 30th anniversary season. The MSO’s 100th anniversary season celebration will take place during the 2025–2026 season. Learn more at madisonsymphony.org
Contact: Peter Rodgers, Director of Marketing
Phone: (608) 260-8680 x226
Mobile: (415) 713-0235
Email: prodgers@madisonsymphony.org
Web: madisonsymphony.org
Link to Lisa Kjentvet photo: Lisa_Kjentvet_photo
# # #