Classical Music News

Ben Hartley Appointed Executive Director of Silkroad

May 9, 2023

2 MIN READ

Home to its flagship initiative, the Silkroad Ensemble, the organization welcomes Hartley starting on May 15

Silkroad, a not-for-profit music organization founded by cellist Yo-Yo Ma in 1998, recently welcomed Ben Hartley as its new Executive Director. He succeeds Kathy Fletcher, who left the position in December 2022 to lead the Wellfleet Preservation Hall in Massachusetts. Fletcher has remained involved with Silkroad’s fundraising and artistic initiatives as Senior Advisor.

Hartley's new role will include leading the arts organization through its third decade, working with Artistic Director Rhiannon Giddens on its new artistic projects — one being the first national tour of American Railroad debuting in November 2023.

Alongside Silkroad’s artists and staff, he will also work to expand its educational and social impact programs, including Silkroad Connect, the annual Global Musician Workshop, and university residencies.

Hartley comes to the position from years of experience in leading arts-based organizations.

Most recently, he served as Executive Director of the National Arts Club in New York City — a nonprofit and members club aimed at fostering public interest in the fine arts.

Previously, Hartley held leadership positions with the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the Museum of Arts and Design, and the Brooklyn Academy of Music.

He also served as President of Louise Blouin Media, Vice President of Ruder Finn Arts & Communications Counselors, and as a consultant for international brands such as BMW, Cartier, and PepsiCo.

"I’m so happy to welcome Ben Hartley to the Silkroad family! A longtime supporter of the Ensemble, he embodies the ethos of everything we represent," Rhiannon Giddens commented. "From his ability to build artistic aligned relationships to his experience in strategic planning, I look forward to seeing what new paths can be forged for Silkroad with Ben at the helm."

“I’m honored to be joining Silkroad, working closely with Artistic Director Rhiannon Giddens, the artists, staff, and board," Hartley said. "Silkroad has a remarkable history and an exciting future. When musicians bring together divergent sounds and traditions for a harmonious and uplifting journey of joy, conversations, and understanding, the world is a better place. I look forward to building on the incredible legacy established by Yo-Yo Ma and the Silkroad artists as we take a new road into the future.”