New Shared Executive Director for Pittsburgh Camerata and Pittsburgh Girls Choir brings fresh leadership to choral arts in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA (February 5, 2024) – Pittsburgh’s choral music scene is getting an energetic new leader. Eden Smith will begin work as the shared Executive Director for The Pittsburgh Camerata and Pittsburgh Girls Choir on February 12, 2024. The boards of both organizations expect Ms. Smith to bring new ideas, and apply skills learned as a young administrator in her previous position, to The Pittsburgh Camerata and Pittsburgh Girls Choir, promoting the growth of both organizations and extending their reach into the city’s arts community.
In August, 2022, the organizations announced an administrative affiliation under which they share a full time Executive Director and other administrative services, while maintaining each organization’s distinct identity and nonprofit status. Since that time, the shared full-time Executive Director position has consolidated the day-to-day operations of the two organizations under one leader, while fostering creative thinking between them.
Ms. Smith is passionate about promoting the growth of choral music in the Pittsburgh area. After graduating from Geneva College with a B.A. in Music Business focused in Voice Performance, Ms. Smith earned a certificate in Business Leadership from the Pittsburgh Fellows, where she fostered her passion for supporting local nonprofits. Serving as Program Assistant with the Performing Arts department at Urban Impact (UI) Foundation, she coordinated the UI Choir, oversaw daily operations of the department, and acted as production assistant for triannual performances. Ms. Smith sang with the Pittsburgh Girls Choir as a student, returning later as an intern. Her commitment to the choir grew as she joined the Board of Directors. Ms. Smith brings her commitment to choral music and her experience in business leadership to guide the Pittsburgh Girls Choir and Camerata as the Executive Director.
“I have long wanted to work for an organization committed to teaching and performing classical music in the Pittsburgh area, and I am overjoyed to support both the Pittsburgh Girls Choir and the Pittsburgh Camerata as the new shared Executive Director,” states Ms. Smith. “As an alumna of the PGC and a frequent attendee at PC concerts, I look forward to bringing more people into the missions of these wonderful ensembles.”
Mariana Whitmer, board chair of Pittsburgh Girls Choir, said, “We are thrilled to have Eden joining us as our new Executive Director. Her previous singing experience with the Pittsburgh Girls Choir and her enthusiasm for the Pittsburgh Camerata make her a perfect fit for this collaborative position. Eden’s knowledge of and experience with nonprofit organizations in Pittsburgh will benefit both organizations as well. We look forward to working with Eden!”
Jane Potter Baumer, board chair of The Pittsburgh Camerata, stated, “We know that music changes lives. Eden’s commitment to the choral art, combined with her business experience, will provide excellent support and new ideas for us as we continue to produce moving musical experiences for our singers and our audiences, support our artists, and achieve long-term sustainability. Under Eden’s leadership, the Pittsburgh Camerata and Pittsburgh Girls Choir will be well positioned to flourish administratively, as we continue to grow and evolve in our affiliation.”
As Executive Director, Ms. Smith will work closely with the boards of each organization as well as with Kathryn Barnard, Artistic Director and Founder of Pittsburgh Girls Choir, and Mark Anderson, Artistic Director of The Pittsburgh Camerata.
The Pittsburgh Camerata and the Pittsburgh Girls Choir Form an Administrative Affiliation
Pittsburgh, PA (August 4, 2021) – A unique administrative affiliation of The Pittsburgh Camerata and Pittsburgh Girls Choir will provide strategic innovation, creative growth and ongoing strength for each organization and an energized choral arts presence for the community. The affiliation involves a shared full-time executive director and other shared administrative services while maintaining each organization’s distinct identity, mission and nonprofit status.
“Both Pittsburgh Camerata and Pittsburgh Girls Choir have strong artistic programs and vibrant missions. Even after a year of adaptation during the pandemic, we found both organizations to be vibrant and strategically positioned for innovation and growth. With this affiliation we’ll be able to achieve a more efficient management structure than either organization could accomplish alone. We appreciate the funding the Allegheny Regional Asset District and The Heinz Endowments provided to support this affiliation,” states Karen Crenshaw, Board Chair, Pittsburgh Girls Choir.
Already allied through their complimentary work and four years of artistic collaboration, the artistic directors and board members of the two organizations saw an opportunity for a ground-breaking collaboration that would benefit both organizations and align perfectly with the new strategic plans of both organizations.
“Both The Pittsburgh Camerata and Pittsburgh Girls Choir are steeped in the richness and depth of choral tradition. We have our own missions and strategies yet are united around the common purpose to honor, maintain and grow enthusiasm for choral arts in our region. This affiliation positions us for more creative collaborations that will truly enrich the local arts community and specifically foster growth in choral arts,” says Mark Anderson, Artistic Director, The Pittsburgh Camerata and board member Pittsburgh Girls Choir.
The organizations expect to draw from each other’s strengths and expertise to expand programming and to broaden and diversify outreach.
“I am excited because this affiliation will provide greater educational and artistic opportunities for Pittsburgh Girls Choir,” states Kathryn Barnard, Founder and Artistic Director, Pittsburgh Girls Choir. “Camerata singers are the perfect role models, mentors and vocal coaches for our girls. In turn, this relationship offers Camerata singers the opportunity to pass on the choral art to the next generation. A shared full time executive director will accelerate our outreach to the broader community, fulfilling our commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion.”
The Pittsburgh Camerata
The Pittsburgh Camerata is a professional vocal ensemble dedicated to and inspiring through choral excellence. Founded in 1974, the Camerata specializes in the entire choral repertory with a unique focus on Renaissance/Baroque and 20th/21st century works. Under the direction of Mark Anderson, the ensemble presents a subscription concert series each season in Pittsburgh and its surrounding suburbs. The ensemble is actively engaged in developing a catalog of recorded music.
Pittsburgh Girls Choir
Founded in 2005, the Pittsburgh Girls Choir (PGC) provides a supportive community committed to artistic excellence through an exemplary music education program for girls in first through twelfth grades. The PGC welcomes girls of all races, ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds. A sliding scale tuition structure makes this possible, as well as additional need-based scholarships. Additional PGC activities include the Women of Song program, community outreach and a summer choral festival camp.