Grace Notes

Meet Mary Gerbi: Upper Valley Baroque’s New Managing Director

JO SHUTE

In the newly-created position of Managing Director, Mary will work closely with Filippo, Allan, and Jo to support Upper Valley Baroque as we continue to create inspiring programs of beautiful music and learning opportunities throughout the region. She will be the primary contact for UVB’s musicians and work with external constituencies related to our venues, marketing efforts, educational initiatives, and more. Mary will manage the creative use of our growing recordings archive and advise on potential new initiatives. She will help to plan future repertoire—taking into account not only artistic but logistical and budgetary considerations—and engage the performers to bring those programs to life.

JS: For you, what is the most satisfying aspect to working “behind the scenes” of a musical organization?

I really enjoy feeling like I’m at the nexus of multiple groups of people, helping them to understand each other’s needs and set each other up for success. It’s like being at the center of a wheel with many spokes that are separate, but all important, and ultimately working towards the same goal. I also like combining my musical knowledge and organizational abilities to stretch myself in ways that neither performing alone nor working in (non-musical) administration would allow.

What attracted you to this new position with UVB?

UVB has a special combination of deeply appealing qualities. From the start, I was impressed by the passion and ability that co-founders Jo Shute and Allan Weiman used to bring their vision to fruition, quickly surpassing expectations for a fledgling ensemble with their confident yet humane leadership. Of course, Filippo Ciabatti is an exceptional Artistic Director who is truly inspiring on the podium; following my own first UVB experience singing in Bach’s Mass in B minor, I clearly remember my colleagues marveling at his talents and wondering how we hadn’t crossed this young conductor’s path before. In close relation to that, UVB has attracted extremely talented musicians to join the group and become devoted members. I should add that they’re great people, too—everyone is so supportive and just plain friendly. Meanwhile, the wider community enabling all of this with their enthusiastic presence as audience members, hosts, volunteers, and donors is a wonderful thing to behold. Finally, I love both the natural beauty and the culture of northern New England, and I’m excited to have this chance to make it a second home.

Mary’s Background

Most recently, Mary served as the Director of Artistic Operations for the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra and Music School, a promotion from her original appointment as their Concert Operations and Personnel Manager. Her previous positions included Manager of Ensembles at the Boston University School of Music and multiple posts in faculty and student support at Harvard College. In addition to her work with these longstanding institutions, she played critical roles in establishing two smaller early music ensembles, Ensemble Origo and Cut Circle. As a seasoned musician contractor, she works with multiple clients, including the Opera Company of Middlebury and Dartmouth College. Mary continues to perform as a freelance singer and member of established ensembles including True Concord Voices & Orchestra and Boston Baroque.

Upper Valley Baroque is thrilled and very fortunate that Mary decided to join our team.  Please look for her at upcoming concerts, and welcome her as the opportunity presents itself.