Annapolis Symphony Orchestra Appoints New Executive Director

Erica Bondarev Rapach has been appointed following a term as Interim Executive Director

The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra (ASO) has announced that Erica Bondarev Rapach will serve as its next Executive Director. She has been serving as the orchestra's Interim Executive Director since September 2024, and the appointment will become permanent in May 2025.

Bondarev Rapach has extensive experience in arts marketing and executive management positions, having previously worked for The Washington Ballet, Theater Alliance of DC, The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center at the University of Maryland, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, and the .ART domain registry.

She is also presently an adjunct faculty member in the American University’s Graduate Arts Management program, of which she is also a past graduate.

During her tenure as Interim Executive Director of the ASO, Bondarev Rapach has exceeded the revenue goals for five recent performances, as well as securing unanimous board approval for the 2025-2026 fiscal year budget. Building on this work, Bondarev Rapach is aiming to expand the orchestra's community engagement, foster new partnerships, and strengthen ASO’s presence in the region — to attract diverse audiences.

"Erica impressed the Search Committee with her extensive experience in all aspects of arts management, and we feel she brings the skills and leadership the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra needs at this moment in time," said Katherine Edwards, MD, incoming Board Chair and Chair of the Executive Director Search Committee.

"I am absolutely delighted to welcome Erica as the Executive Director of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra," said José-Luis Novo, the orchestra's Artistic Director. "In her interim role, she has quickly inspired our staff, fostering excellence across all aspects of running a successful orchestra. Her impressive professional credentials, boundless curiosity, and deep passion for music make her an invaluable asset to our organization. I look forward to seeing her leadership continue to elevate the ASO in the years ahead."

"I am honored to step into the role of Executive Director at the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra permanently," said Bondarev Rapach. "I look forward to deepening ASO’s engagement with our community, furthering our mission to inspire through music, and building on our 63-year legacy as Anne Arundel County’s oldest and largest performing arts organization."