June 20, 2019 – Music in the Mountains, a premier resource for classical music and music education in Nevada County, is excited to announce a $40,000 matching donation for all donations received from now until the end of their summer concert series which runs through Wednesday, July 3rd. The money comes with enthusiasm from the organization’s Board of Directors as Music in the Mountains prepares to bring an exceptional program of music to Nevada County with their Summer Fest Concert Series.
“I’m inspired by our Board of Directors and by their clear commitment to great classical music concerts and education programs in our community,” said Terry Brown, Music in the Mountains’ Board President. “Our donors and our countless volunteers allow us to give the important gift of music to Nevada County and our neighbors.”
Across the United States, performing arts organizations rely on a complicated network of funding to create an annual budget, including corporate sponsorships, public endowments, private donations, and grants. The industry average nationwide sees most art organizations receiving only about 20% of their annual budgets from ticket sales. Sponsorships and donations are critical.
“We exist to inspire and engage Nevada County residents of all ages through great classical music and educational opportunities. We could not do this work without support,” says Jenny Darlington-Person, Music in the Mountains’ Executive Director. “I want my children’s children to have an opportunity for the same life-long music education I’ve had,” she adds thoughtfully. Jenny has a law degree from the University of the Pacific’s McGeorge School of Law and spent nearly two decades as a lawyer before changing professions to lead the organization.
Jenny was hired last year to head Music in the Mountains and brings a special and personal perspective to the role. Jenny’s family is three generations deep in the Music in the Mountains chorus, with both of her parents and her son singing in the June 27th performance of Carmina Burana. “My hope is to fortify this organization for generations to come.”
Music in the Mountains has spent nearly forty years building a community of music supporters. This $40,000 ambitious fundraising match comes on the heels of the organization’s announcement to hire a new Artistic Director, award-winning conductor, Ryan Murray. The timing indicates confidence in the organization’s direction.
“Music in the Mountains has been an integral part of my musical life since joining the organization eleven years ago,“ Ryan Murray states. His sentiment has significant weight since Ryan has played a major role in classical music in the Central Valley and Northern California.
As the Music Director of the Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra, Ryan Murray has consistently worked to improve the quality, skill, and prominence of the youth orchestra; with a passion for education and a remarkable flair for program building. As the Associate Conductor of the Modesto Symphony, Ryan has overseen a nearly five-fold increase in audience attendance for the Modesto Symphony’s education concerts since 2014. His expertise as Music in the Mountains Artistic Director will help launch Nevada County into a new era of music education.
Ryan adds, “Nevada County is a fabulous place to make music. I am so inspired by the support of our board and our donors. Nevada County’s commitment to classical music and music education is something that all communities should strive for. I’m really looking forward to what the future holds for this amazing organization and I’m looking forward to seeing all of you soon!” He will be conducting during Summer Fest and is excited to see the skills and expertise of the guest conductors coming to help bring classical music to life in our community.
Music in the Mountains has been a staple of the community for nearly 40 years, bringing classical music and music education to Nevada County. With their time-tested education programs and proven track record, Music in the Mountains has been an essential resource for our community year after year. Music in the Mountains asks Nevada County, our friends and our neighbors to help in the success of matching this generous donation. Please go to musicinthemountains.org to make a donation today.