Sophie Press appointed Executive Director of Lorelei Ensemble

Lorelei Ensemble announces the appointment of Sophie Press (she/they) to the position of Executive Director, effective July 1, 2024.

Previously, Sophie spent five years on the Development team of the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. She managed national and international donor relationships, building strong connections that led to sustained support for the NSO’s annual fund, national and international touring, and education and community engagement programs. She is also an outspoken voice for equity both in the field and in the workplace, as evidenced by her leadership on the NSO’s DEIAB Committee and the Center’s Diversity and Inclusion Council.

Sophie earned a Master of Science in Management and a Bachelor of Music from the University of Florida, where she studied clarinet with Mitchell Estrin.

Sophie serves on the board of the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW) in Washington, D.C. She is proud to support CHAW’s mission of building community through the arts in many ways, especially those that invite people of all ages to explore their creativity and celebrate the role that art plays in all our lives.

“Lorelei Ensemble’s commitment to celebrating both women’s voices and concert music as a living artform is inspiring and essential. I am thrilled to be joining this incredible community of creators and I look forward to working closely with the Board and serving alongside the brilliant Dr. Beth Willer,” remarked Sophie.

"We are so thrilled to have Sophie joining the Lorelei team! Her energy, talent, and passion for new music is palpable, and is sure to create new opportunities for us, and for our fans and supporters," said Artistic Director Beth Willer.

Thanks to board member Kate Prescott for heading up the highly competitive executive search, which attracted many stellar candidates. Lorelei sends best wishes to departing Interim Executive Director Ann Marie Lindquist, a seasoned nonprofit leader who stepped in last August to head Lorelei's administrative team until a permanent replacement could be appointed. Ann Marie looks forward to stepping back into her prior role of enthusiastic Lorelei fan and supporter.