Anthony Pierce has been named Senior Vice President of Program Innovation, a position that will allow him to focus on creative and collaborative programming with contemporary and traditional artists, including the newly announced Colorado Symphony Presents series. Tony will continue to develop partnerships with Colorado concert promoters and venues as well as cultural organizations to grow audiences as well as reach and relevance. Tony will also lead initiatives to develop new revenue streams via recording and licensing for film, television and digital media.
Robert Neu joins the Colorado Symphony as Senior Vice President of Artistic Planning. Bob has a history with both the Colorado Symphony and Music Director Andrew Litton, and his varied expertise and creativity will fuel planning and production of the Masterworks series and other traditional programs. He joins the CSO part-time for the first part of the season; in April, he assumes full-time duties. Bob’s bio is below.
Catherine Beeson has been named Director of Community and Education Programs. Catherine will retain her position as Assistant Principal Viola in the orchestra. This move builds on a tradition of musician leadership in the CSO education department, and recognizes Catherine’s considerable gifts as an educator. Most recently, Catherine led two new classroom-based initiatives, the Very Young Composers and the Creative Classroom Collaborative, a pilot program sponsored by DaVita. Catherine’s educational bio is below.
Shari Meyers has been named Concierge/Education Coordinator and will support education initiatives including Youth Concerts and in-school performance programs. Shari will also coordinate educator outreach, tracking, and reporting. Shari will retain her role as the Colorado Symphony Concierge. An active parent as well as a creative artist and comedian, Shari brings energy, ideas, and perspective to this new role.
Please join us in congratulating our colleagues, who will make significant, and immediate, contributions to our team.
ROBERT NEU
Robert Neu was Vice President and General Manager of the Minnesota Orchestra from 1995-2014. In that position, he was responsible for working closely with the Music Director in implementing the Orchestra’s artistic planning. He was also responsible for over-seeing the day-to-day operations of the Orchestra including personnel, scheduling, touring and media activities.
From 1990-95, Mr. Neu was Orchestra Manager of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. While in Cincinnati, he produced the CSO’s commemorative centennial CD collection and directed numerous opera and music theater productions.
He received a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Kansas and a Master of Music degree from The Juilliard School. Formally active as a professional clarinetist and piano accompanist, he has performed with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, and New York City Ballet and Opera orchestras.
Mr. Neu has served as a grants panelist for the Ohio and Wisconsin state arts councils and is a former President of the Organization of Ohio Orchestras. He was also a frequent consultant for Telarc Records in the area of vocal repertoire. As a community volunteer, Mr. Neu is a former Vice President of the Board of the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies, was a member of the Advisory Board of the Dale Warland Singers and is currently an Advisor to the Minnesota Boy Choir. He also teaches masterclasses in audition techniques for the University of Minnesota’s opera department.
Also active as a theater creator and director, Mr. Neu has collaborated with a number of orchestras in adapting and directing performances of plays with incidental music including “Peer Gynt,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Romeo and Juliet.” He has directed over 60 productions of plays, musicals and operas throughout the Twin Cities and across the country. He was a vocal coach/accompanist for the Juilliard Drama Division and is a former member of the Board of the Minnesota Shakespeare Project.
CATHERINE BEESON
Education-related experience
OLLI – Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
- Lecturer, Fall and Spring semesters 2013-2014. Courses based on symphonic literature and history with a significant listening component.
Friends of Chamber Music, Denver
- Integrated Arts Specialist, 2009-2013
- Summer Scholars Enrichment Provider, 2010-2014. Designed and implemented composition and performance-based curriculum for 3rd through 5th grades at numerous DPS schools.
- Curriculum Guide Author, 2002. Authored support materials for school teachers to prepare their students for visiting ensembles.
Up Close and Musical, Denver
- Program Development, Teaching Artist, Marketing 2003-2012. Designed and implemented More Than Just Notes program supporting chamber orchestra outreach performances in Denver metro area elementary schools. Engaged K-8th grade students in classroom group activities to prepare and reflect on their in-school concert. Authored curriculum guide booklet for distribution at performances. Produced video spots for social media marketing purposes.
Colorado Youth Symphony Orchestras, Denver
- Director of Outreach, Chamber Music Program Director, 2008-2010. Managed string teaching program in 6 schools in the Denver metro area. Taught 3rd through 5th grade beginning violin students at Godsman Elementary. Established the Chamber Music program, planned and directed community performances.
Little Orchestra Society, New York
- Teaching Artist 1998-1999. Taught movement and music to Pre-K through 2nd grade classrooms in Bronx, NY
New York Philharmonic, New York
- School Partnership Program Teaching Artist, 1997-1999
- Curriculum Author 1999-2001. Authored web-based curriculum for classroom use. Taught a composition based curriculum to 3rd through 5th grades. Led parent/teacher/student workshops.