Wednesday Lounge open mic night at the Pump House Music Works
The Wednesday Lounge open mic night at the popular music venue, the Pump House in Wakefield, RI
- Newport Classical has appointed Oliver Inteeworn as its new executive director, effective January 5, 2026.
- Inteeworn previously served as the executive director of the American Symphony Orchestra in New York City.
- Inteeworn succeeds Gillian Fox and interim executive director Eric Gershman.
Newport Classical on Wednesday, Dec. 17, announced the appointment of Oliver Inteeworn as its new executive director, effective Jan. 5, 2026. Inteeworn brings 25 years of leadership in the nonprofit performing arts industry and a proven track record of expanding access to classical music while fostering organizational growth. He succeeds Gillian Fox, who served as executive director from 2020 to 2025, and Eric Gershman who serves as interim executive director until Dec. 31.
“Oliver is a visionary leader with a global view. His appointment represents a transformative moment for Newport Classical,” Suzanna Laramee, board president of Newport Classical, said in a statement announcing Inteeworn’s appointment. “His expertise in strategic planning, audience development, digital innovation, and fundraising will be instrumental as we pursue our strategic goals and work to continue to transform Newport Classical into an internationally recognized destination. I know that he and our Board see the same bright future ahead of us.”
“Newport Classical was fortunate to have received an extraordinary number of applications from highly talented arts leaders from around the world,” Board Vice President Stephen Huttler said in the statement. “We selected Oliver because we believe he will produce even higher levels of community enjoyment and inspiration through expanded offerings, artistic stars, and presentation of uplifting classical music to diverse audiences across Aquidneck Island and beyond.”
Most recently, Inteeworn served as executive director of the American Symphony Orchestra (ASO) in New York City from 2018 to 2025, where he expanded the orchestra’s mission of “great music for everyone.” During his tenure, 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.“I’m genuinely thrilled by Newport Classical’s incredible reputation for artistic excellence and by the magical setting of Newport, combined with the warm welcome and outstanding leadership of a board that has built such a successful, healthy organization,” Inteeworn said in a statement. “In just a few conversations, we’ve already established a shared vision for an even more ambitious future, and I see enormous potential for exponential growth on this already exceptional foundation. I look forward to working with the Board, staff, musicians, and the Newport community to bring to fruition Newport Classical’s ambitious 2025-2028 strategic plan and ensure that classical music continues to thrive here.”
Inteeworn will lead the implementation of Newport Classical’s newly adopted strategic plan, which focuses on four key pillars: expanding national awareness and establishing global recognition, engaging the people of Newport, generating new revenue streams, and maintaining organizational health. The plan represents a roadmap for responsible growth that focuses on increasing meaningful engagement and deepening impact, while staying true to the organization’s mission “to celebrate the living art form of classical music in intimate and iconic locations.”
“As Newport Classical embarks on this exciting new chapter, I could not be more thrilled to welcome Oliver Inteeworn as our next Executive Director,” said Trevor Neal, Newport Classical director of artistic planning. “Oliver brings an inspiring combination of vision, collaboration, and a true passion for the transformative power of music. 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 look forward to working closely with him to shape a vibrant future for Newport Classical.”
Prior to his role as executive director, Inteeworn served as general manager of the American Symphony Orchestra (2007-2018), founding Managing Director of The Orchestra Now at Bard College (2015-2018), and held artistic planning and production positions at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, collaborating with hundreds of the world’s leading ensembles and soloists.
A trained musician with studies in Germany, Inteeworn holds a diploma in Music Education (equivalent to a master’s degree) from the University of Music Saarbrücken and a Master of Arts in Arts Administration from Columbia University.
Newport Classical’s international executive search was led by a search committee chaired by members of the Board and attracted applicants from around the world.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.newportri.com ’
