Mann Center for the Performing Arts Names Catherine M. Cahill President and CEO

Mann Center for the Performing Arts Names Catherine M. Cahill President and CEO

Mann Board Chairman Justin Klein Cites Her Distinguished Career

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Mann Center chairman Justin P. Klein is pleased to announce that Catherine M. Cahill has been named The Mann's president and chief executive officer. Ms. Cahill is currently President and Chief Executive Officer of the Brooklyn Philharmonic. She is expected to assume her new responsibilities on June 1, 2008.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080229/NEF014 )

Mr. Klein said, "The board of directors of the Mann Center is delighted to find someone who brings more than 20 years of experience in the performing arts and who is herself a performing artist. She encompasses the whole package -- a superb leader who will work equally well with donors, staff, the board and artists."

Credited with revitalizing the Brooklyn Philharmonic during her seven year tenure, Ms. Cahill strengthened the organization financially, expanded its community access programs, and strengthened its position as an institution recognized for artistic excellence and dynamic programming. Her strong leadership, vision, donor relationships and commitment to strategic partnerships and collaborations enhanced every aspect of the organization.

Ms. Cahill's career has included key positions at the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival, Grant Park Music Festival in Chicago, The Toronto Symphony and the New York Philharmonic. Her experience includes working as both a presenter and producer of artistic programs. In each of these institutions she captured the imagination and excitement of audiences by bringing innovative programming that appealed to a wide range of interests.

"I am pleased and delighted to be joining the Mann Center for the Performing Arts as their incoming President and CEO," said Cahill. "I have deeply admired from my earliest college years spent in Philadelphia, the Mann's long-standing commitment to artistic excellence, community and educational access. The Mann is, without question, one of Philadelphia's cultural and civic jewels and one of our nation's most respected summer performing arts institutions. It is an exciting time for the Mann and I very much look forward to working closely with the Center's board, cultural partners, community leaders, its dedicated staff and loyal audience."

Prior to working with the Brooklyn Philharmonic, Ms. Cahill served as Executive Director of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, General Manager of the New York Philharmonic, and Festival and Artistic Director for the Grant Park Festival in Chicago. Cahill has a Master of Science from Drexel University and a Bachelor of Music in performance from Temple University.

Klein also expressed his gratitude to Mann board member Bill Leonard who has served as interim Executive Director for the past ten months. "His great judgment, excellent leadership skills and ability to do everything have made him an invaluable member of the board and he has paved the way for a smooth transition for the incoming president." Special thanks was extended by the board to the search committee chaired by Ted Young for its outstanding work. Ted Young was also delighted with the result of his national search committee adding, "Ms. Cahill has a distinguished career in the performing arts and exactly the skills we need. We are excited to have the opportunity to work with her as she assumes her new role."

A summer destination for 32 years, The Mann Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia's beautiful Fairmount Park continues its tradition as the region's premiere outdoor cultural arts center. More accessible, more attractive and more fun than ever before, programming at The Mann transcends genres and includes PECO Pops, jazz, rock, dance, theater, opera, classical, and contemporary concerts, and serves as the summer home of The Philadelphia Orchestra. Community outreach opportunities through the Access the Arts initiatives include free Young People's Concert Series, Connecting-Arts-N- Schools presentations in public and parochial schools, professional development through master classes with visiting artists, and complimentary ticket distribution to the region's underserved constituents. For more information, visit http://www.manncenter.org/ .

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080229/NEF014
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Source: Mann Center for the Performing Arts

CONTACT: Vicky Kramer of Mann Center for the Performing Arts,
+1-215-546-7900 ext.125, vkramer@manncenter.org

Web site: http://www.manncenter.org/

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