New York’s Meadowmount School of Music Hires New Executive Director

Administrative professional Genevieve Twomey will join Meadowmount in mid-June 2024

Established in 1944 by pedagogue Ivan Galamian, the Meadowmount School of Music offers a 7-week summer program in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York for aspiring professional string players.

Meadowmount has now appointed Genevieve Twomey as its next Executive Director. To join the school in mid-June prior to the beginning of the 2024 summer program, she will succeed Mark Hayman, who was appointed in 2021.  

A native of Melbourne, Australia, Twomey is currently the Vice President and General Manager of the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO), where she works with Music Director Gianandrea Noseda. 

She originally studied cello and holds an arts degree from the University of Melbourne; Twomey is also a graduate of the Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University, where she was a student of Meadowmount alum Stephen Kates. 

Her career in orchestra management began in 1996 as an Orchestra Management Fellow with the League of American Orchestras. She has held significant roles with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, plus the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, where she launched the Paul J. Ross Fellowship for African American Musicians; and the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, which, under her leadership, transformed from near bankruptcy to being recognized as Canada’s most innovative orchestra.

Twomey will bring her extensive experience and dynamic leadership to Meadowmount, and contribute to the school’s mission of exceptional musical education.

“There is a special spirit here that uplifts the excellence and brilliance of faculty and students year after year; Meadowmount is a place like no other,” Twomey said in the press release. “I am honored and excited to be joining as Executive Director, working with the Board of Directors and serving alongside Artistic Director Janet Sung, whose care for Meadowmount is immediately apparent and inspiring.”

“Genevieve’s exceptional background in arts leadership and her dedication to musical excellence make her the perfect fit for Meadowmount,” added Meadowmount Board President Hans Jørgen Jensen. “Together with Janet Sung, our Artistic Director, we are confident she will elevate our programs and foster an environment of artistic growth, innovation, and intensive string study at the highest level.” 

“I am thrilled to have Genevieve join us at Meadowmount,” Sung continued. “She is someone deeply committed to its mission and her breadth of experience in all aspects of executive leadership will be a great asset for the school. I am excited to work with her in carrying forward the legacy of Ivan Galamian's vision for many future generations of young artists.”

“Genevieve’s remarkable track record in transforming and elevating arts organizations speaks volumes,” said Board member James Ehnes. “Her leadership and vision will undoubtedly guide Meadowmount to new heights. I look forward to the positive impact she will make on our community.”

Over its illustrious 80-year history, Meadowmount’s renowned alumni include Itzhak Perlman, Yo-Yo Ma, Pinchas Zukerman, Jaime Laredo, Lynn Harrell, Kyung-Wha Chung, Ani and Ida Kavafian, Joshua Bell, James Ehnes, Rachel Barton Pine, and Jessie Montgomery.