As we come to the end of the year, it is my pleasure to share the good news that after an extensive, international search, Oliver Inteeworn is joining Newport Classical as its new Executive Director. I could not be more thrilled to welcome him.
Oliver brings an inspiring combination of vision, collaboration, and a true passion for the transformative power of music. I have enjoyed getting to know him, and I know his leadership and creativity will be invaluable as we partner, to deepen our artistic impact, expand our reach, and create meaningful experiences for our audiences and community. I am looking forward to working closely with him to shape a vibrant future for Newport Classical.
Most recently, Oliver served as Executive Director of the American Symphony Orchestra (ASO) in New York City from 2018 to 2025, where he dramatically expanded the orchestra’s mission of “great music for everyone.” During his tenure there, the ASO presented more than 40 additional free orchestra and chamber concerts since 2020 across a wide range of New York City venues, reaching thousands of new and underserved listeners. Notable achievements include the largest and most diverse audiences in the orchestra’s history, both in-person and through his launch and continued expansion of ASO Online, which delivers free global streaming of performances, operas, chamber music, and original short films. Prior to being Executive Director, Oliver was General Manager of the ASO, founding Managing Director of The Orchestra Now at Bard College, and held artistic planning and production positions at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. He studied music in Germany at the University of Music Saarbrücken and arts administration at Columbia University.
I had the chance to ask Oliver a few questions about his plans for Newport Classical and what he’s most excited about.
Trevor Neal: What drew you to Newport Classical at this moment in your career?
Oliver Inteeworn: After 18 incredibly rewarding years at the American Symphony Orchestra, seven as Executive Director, where I led efforts to champion bold symphonic programming and broaden access for diverse audiences, I’ve felt ready to pivot toward a more intimate scale that aligns even deeper with my personal passions. What drew me to Newport Classical at this precise moment is its extraordinary artistic excellence: world-class chamber music featuring a broad array of musicians performing forward-thinking and inspiring programming at the highest level in stunning historic venues. This level of quality and immersion already places it on par with the most significant arts presenters worldwide. Personally, I’ve always preferred the chamber music experience over large orchestral presentations. In chamber settings, the musicians are the true artistic leaders: fully in charge of interpretation and outcome, which creates a palpable, positive energy that radiates directly to the listener. It’s profoundly inspiring, and you feel it in the room. Newport Classical’s focus on these immersive, connective experiences feels like the ideal next chapter for me to bring my orchestral expertise while diving fully into what excites me most. I’m thrilled to join and help build on this remarkable foundation.
Trevor Neal: Newport Classical has evolved significantly in recent years. How do you see your role in shaping the next chapter?
Oliver Inteeworn: Newport Classical has evolved remarkably in recent years, transforming from its roots as a beloved summer festival into a vibrant year-round presenter. This growth has created an incredibly healthy organization, thanks to dedicated staff, strong board leadership, and a thoughtful strategic plan that outlines ambitious goals ahead. I see my role as a catalyst in this next chapter: bringing a fresh outside perspective from over 25 years in performing arts leadership to partner closely with the staff, board, artists, and community. I’m excited to further elevate the organization by enhancing programming innovation, strengthening financial sustainability, and expanding equitable access. It’s in a position of real strength right now, and together we can accelerate this momentum to make Newport Classical an even more essential part of the region’s cultural fabric, and beyond.
Trevor Neal: What are your early priorities as you step into the position?
Oliver Inteeworn: My early priorities will center on deep listening and immersion: learning everything about Newport Classical’s operations, programs, history, and unique DNA, while absorbing Newport’s rich cultural heritage as a historic seaside city with a longstanding tradition of classical music presentation. I’ll focus on building strong relationships through one-on-one conversations with the staff, board, artists, donors, patrons, community partners, and educators across Aquidneck Island and beyond – attending events, visiting schools, and engaging directly in neighborhood programming. This foundation will allow me to become deeply aligned with the organization’s mission and serve as an effective, authentic ambassador for Newport Classical.
Trevor Neal: What excites you most as you look ahead?
Oliver Inteeworn: What excites me most as I look ahead is truly becoming part of Newport’s vibrant, welcoming community – both within the organization and the city itself. In the short time since my appointment, I’ve already formed meaningful connections with board members whose passion and vision are infectious, and I’m eager to deepen those while building new relationships with staff, artists, donors, students, and audiences. On a personal note, I can’t wait to live close to the ocean for the first time in my life, waking up to the sea air, exploring the cliffs and beaches, and drawing daily inspiration from Newport’s natural beauty and historic charm. Artistically, I’m thrilled about collaborating on the Music Festival and the many year-round offerings, and bringing even more immersive programming to residents and visitors alike. With the organization’s strong momentum, I’m eager to help make classical music an even more joyful, essential thread in Newport’s cultural life.
Oliver joins us as Executive Director on Jan. 5, 2026 and we can’t wait for you to meet him at our next Chamber Series concert. On Jan. 23, cellist Jonathan Swensen makes his highly anticipated return to Newport. Held downtown in our home venue the Newport Classical Recital Hall, Jonathan’s concert features masterworks by Beethoven, Schumann, Shostakovich, and more. He’s been described as “a musician of charisma and thrilling physicality” (BBC Music Magazine) and we look forward to spotlighting him in this special solo performance. As is true for all our Chamber Series concerts, complimentary wine, generously provided by Gold’s Wine and Spirits, will be served before the performance and during intermission.
This time of year always reminds me why we do this work. Music has an incredible ability to bring people together, lift spirits, and create joy. As we welcome Oliver and look forward to 2026, I’m grateful to share this season with you, our Newport community. Wishing you all holidays filled with warmth and music, and we look forward to seeing you in the new year. Tickets for all of our concerts (perfect for anyone needing last minute gifts!) are available at www.newportclassical.org.
Trevor Neal is the director of artistic planning at Newport Classical. His column appears monthly in The Newport Daily News and on newportri.com.
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