Moving to a new city as the great recession began and taking on the behemoth task of turning around a still new performing arts center is a task few would have faced, yet for our retiring President & CEO, Anne Ewers, it provided her with many rewarding days, lifelong friendships, and a valuable perspective on loving one’s job. Her career has made her a singer, a stage director, a designer, a producer, and finally our fearless leader in the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection.
In the midst of championing the pathbreaking partnership between The Philadelphia Orchestra and the Kimmel Cultural Campus and packing up boxes containing 44 years’ worth of awards, plaques, notes, pictures and books, she took a moment to share some thoughts for you, our valued guests.
Most of those who work in the arts have an “aha moment” where they discovered their passion. Can you share yours?
My love of the arts began early, directing plays in the family garage at age 6. My passion grew through school participation in musicals and choir, yet it was opera that brought these loves together, leading me to pursue a Master of Music in Opera Production from the University of Texas at Austin, following a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Bachelor of Music from Fontbonne University.
Anne taking a moment to enjoy an opera curtain call from the wings
I had the joy of becoming Assistant Stage Director/Staging Coordinator at San Francisco Opera in 1979, and I continued to embrace opportunities, next as a protégé of internationally acclaimed stage director Lotfi Mansouri, who became my mentor for 33 years! It was under his tutelage that my opera directorial career blossomed, and I later embraced the role of General Director at Boston Lyric Opera in 1984, erasing their debt, tripling their number of productions, and starting an endowment.
I then welcomed the unknown again by heading West to Utah. As General Director of Utah Opera from 1991-2002, I quadrupled the budget, grew the subscription base by 20 percent, expanded the repertoire from three to four main stage productions and surpassed two capital campaign goals. And then the big unknown: merging Utah Opera and Utah Symphony in 2002. Thankfully, the successful merger allowed us to double the organization’s endowment, turn a structural deficit into a surplus, establish the Deer Valley Music Festival, launch the symphony on it first European tour in 19 years and record the symphony’s first CD in 15 years.
Anne during her days at Utah Opera
Tell us about 2-3 of your initiatives you’ve championed during your time here?
Our vision is to transform lives daily through the arts, yet for me this is not just a nice phrase. It is a real responsibility and one that I relish, especially for the students in our city. I led the team to secure funding for 100% FREE Education programs for ages Pre-K through high school, driving our education strategic plan for growth to reach 100,000 students annually.
Our Campus’ has expanded its programming to offer the most eclectic lineup, truly reflecting the interests and spirit of our richly diverse region – and we now serve more than 1 million guests annually. We compliment the incredible classical offerings of our Resident Companies with everything from comedy to rock, Broadway, and family titles. Our job is to open the doors and to set the stage for transformative and exceptional experiences for everyone to enjoy together. And it feels fabulous to know that we can all gather once again in the same place and in the same moment.
And finally, I am incredibly proud of the new alliance we are building with The Philadelphia Orchestra. We’re reimagining the power of the arts to bring joy, create community, and effect change, uplifting all Philadelphians. I am overjoyed to see this come to fruition, and I eagerly look forward to the positive ripple effect this will have on the arts in Philadelphia.
Anne Ewers with incoming President & CEO of the Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Center, Inc., Matias Tarnopolsky
When you first arrived, the Campus faced a $30 million construction debt. In your first year, you led the team to retire the entire construction debt and raised the endowment to $72 million while also securing a landmark gift of $10 million for a city-wide festival. What is your secret?
I don’t think there is a secret, yet I will say that the challenge wasn’t daunting to me because I truly believed in the Kimmel Center, in myself and in what we could do together. I have an immense amount of respect for the dedicated team we’ve built here and a long list of civic leaders, philanthropists, and Board members, who’ve been my partners every step of the way.
What’s one area you’d like to see grow exponentially after you’ve retired?
Every single Philadelphian should come through our doors and be able to see themselves reflected onstage. That’s why I’ve strongly encouraged our team to pursue partnerships with institutions valuing diversity and inclusivity, like the Mayor’s Office of LGBT Affairs; Broadway League Diversity & Inclusion Fellowship Program; and those specializing in sensory-friendly, AD, and ASL-designed events. Our mission is to engage our region with art through performance and education, and we take that literally & very seriously. We’ve made terrific strides, yet there is still much work to be done and we look to the help and wise counsel of the committed professionals who serve on our Board-led Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Committee, our DEI Management Committee, and our DEI Employee Resource Group.
Announcing an upcoming Kimmel season on stage
I’ve heard you often talk about the importance of mentoring. Can you say more about this?
I was blessed with at least one or two mentors continuously throughout my career. As a woman leader making my way, in what was largely a male-dominated field, I believe wholeheartedly in paying that forward to the women in my community. I have managed to offer a successful combination, both as a speaker at local and industry events and through individual mentorship. My role as a leader in this community has brought me deep satisfaction yet knowing that I have imparted just a piece of the knowledge I’ve gained in my 44 years to young leaders, both in and outside the arts, is priceless.
We thank you Anne for your tireless service to transform lives daily through the arts during your time as head of the Kimmel Cultural Campus. Wishing you a restful retirement after an impressive and inspiring career. Bravissima!