Mercury Announces New Executive Director Brian A. Ritter

Mercury - The Orchestra Redefined announces after a national search the engagement of Brian A. Ritter as its new Executive Director, effective for the immediate 2013-14 season. Brian succeeds Deborah Lugo, who recently resigned to pursue graduate studies at Princeton University. Mr. Ritter's skill in audience development for orchestras, passion for the music, and strong management abilities made him the best candidate for Mercury's top administration role.

Founded in 2000, Mercury - The Orchestra Redefined has achieved phenomenal growth in just over a decade, from presenting 5 concerts a year to now 50+ performances a season, and from a $15,000 budget to a $1.1 million budget. Today, Mercury is Houston's top chamber orchestra, reaching 20,000 audience members a year through its three distinct concert series, community events, school outreach and international touring program and is second in the region only to the Houston Symphony in number of orchestral music performances and budget size.

Mercury's new Executive Director Brian Ritter will work with Mercury Artistic Director and Founder, Antoine Plante, its staff and board to guide the rapidly growing orchestra as Mercury prepares to expand its budget and grow its audience by nearly 50% over the next three years.

Mercury's concerts are well known for their unique use of period instruments that are hundreds of years old, enhancing the warmth and tone of the music. Mercury's flagship Wortham Center Concert Series plus its new Family and Neighborhood Series, provide accessible opportunities for increasingly diverse audiences to interact with the arts and culture in Houston. Conductor Plante's spoken presentations from the stage create a comfortable, intimate experience for audiences. The orchestra has cultivated increasing patronage from young professionals over the years.

Mr. Ritter previously served as Executive Director of symphony orchestras in Rockford, Illinois, and Albany, New York and as a consultant for the Allentown Symphony Association. He holds a B.A. in History and Political Science from Gettysburg College, and has completed highly selective leadership programs at the League of American Orchestras and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. Mr. Ritter is a former saxophonist and recipient of two professional awards, including the Rockford Chamber of Commerce's "Forty Leaders Under 40" Award.

"I am very excited to be joining such a dynamic organization in such a thriving city like Houston," said Brian Ritter. "Mercury is vitally connected to the community and is well positioned to make an even greater impact in Houston and beyond through its commitment to artistic excellence, innovative performance, and life-changing educational outreach."

"We are fortunate to bring Brian to Mercury, with his extensive experience helping ensembles grow their audiences and increase their financial strength. Mercury's strategic plan calls for audience, program and budget growth of nearly 50% by 2016, and we look forward Brian's new ideas to bring great music to more Houstonians," said Joel Mohrman, Board President of Mercury since 2012.

Added Mercury's Artistic Director and Co-Founder, Antoine Plante, "Having Brian on board at Mercury will propel the orchestra forward in its mission and vision for the community, bringing more beautiful music to wider audiences in Houston and around the world."

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