Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Mon) September 14, 2009
MEDIA CONTACT: Kristin Jackson • (808) 428-1625 | kristinjackson@hawaii.rr.com
Honolulu Symphony Names New Executive Director
As Symphony opens historic 110th season, executive director Majken Mechling leads organization into a new era of financial stability and artistic prominence
Honolulu – The Honolulu Symphony Society today announced the appointment of Majken Mechling as executive director of the historic arts and music education organization. Mechling, a dedicated and proven leader who has served non-profit organizations in Hawaii for 25 years, joins the Symphony as the orchestra prepares to open its 110th season following an administrative re-structuring that has brought greater stability to the organization. Most recently, she was executive director of the American Diabetes Association Hawaii.
“Majken brings clear and forceful leadership and vision to the position of executive director: she is creative, strategic, consistent and goal-oriented in her management style,” said Peter Shaindlin, chairman of the Honolulu Symphony Society Board of Directors. “What Majken values most however is a profound respect for our local culture, and for the paramount importance of trust and relationships that are the very bedrock and spirit of Hawaii.”
“Thousands of children, teens, families and seniors across Hawaii benefit from the Symphony’s community outreach programs; the positive impact of these resources in our schools, community centers and everyday lives is immeasurable,” said Mechling. “The continuation of Symphony programs – and the mission of the organization to enrich the lives of all of Hawaii’s residents with music – has personally inspired me to lead the organization as it embarks on a new era of financial stability and artistic prominence.”
Mechling has a proven record of accomplishment of guiding organizations through turbulent times, bringing them full circle with successful outcomes. In addition to her work with the American Diabetes Association, she has served as the executive director of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Association International, Hawaii Chapter and as chief executive officer of the Big Island Substance Abuse Council.
“Majken’s credibility and accomplishments in organization-building and fundraising are of the highest pedigree, and as such she is well-suited and prepared to bring this institution to new heights of artistic and operational excellence,” continued Shaindlin.
Concertgoers will have the opportunity to meet Mechling at the opening concerts for the 110th season as Maestro Andreas Delfs and the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra present Edgar Meyer’s The Melody of Rhythm – Triple Concerto for Banjo, Double Bass and Tabla. These season-opening concerts for the Halekulani MasterWorks series take place on Saturday, September 19 at 8 p.m. at the Sunday, September 20 at 4 p.m. at the Blaisdell Concert Hall. For more information, please visit www.honolulusymphony.com.
“Majken brings clear and forceful leadership and vision to the position of executive director: she is creative, strategic, consistent and goal-oriented in her management style,” said Peter Shaindlin, chairman of the Honolulu Symphony Society Board of Directors. “What Majken values most however is a profound respect for our local culture, and for the paramount importance of trust and relationships that are the very bedrock and spirit of Hawaii.”
“Thousands of children, teens, families and seniors across Hawaii benefit from the Symphony’s community outreach programs; the positive impact of these resources in our schools, community centers and everyday lives is immeasurable,” said Mechling. “The continuation of Symphony programs – and the mission of the organization to enrich the lives of all of Hawaii’s residents with music – has personally inspired me to lead the organization as it embarks on a new era of financial stability and artistic prominence.”
Mechling has a proven record of accomplishment of guiding organizations through turbulent times, bringing them full circle with successful outcomes. In addition to her work with the American Diabetes Association, she has served as the executive director of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Association International, Hawaii Chapter and as chief executive officer of the Big Island Substance Abuse Council.
“Majken’s credibility and accomplishments in organization-building and fundraising are of the highest pedigree, and as such she is well-suited and prepared to bring this institution to new heights of artistic and operational excellence,” continued Shaindlin.
Concertgoers will have the opportunity to meet Mechling at the opening concerts for the 110th season as Maestro Andreas Delfs and the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra present Edgar Meyer’s The Melody of Rhythm – Triple Concerto for Banjo, Double Bass and Tabla. These season-opening concerts for the Halekulani MasterWorks series take place on Saturday, September 19 at 8 p.m. at the Sunday, September 20 at 4 p.m. at the Blaisdell Concert Hall. For more information, please visit www.honolulusymphony.com.
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