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By Tony Boom for the Mail Tribune November 14. 2014 3:40PM Britt cuts performing arts director's position JACKSONVILLE —  A reorganization at the Britt Music Festival has led to the elimination of the director of performing arts position held by Angela Warren, a 22-year festival veteran. Orchestra members expressed surprise and dismay at Warren’s departure. “We are all very shocked. It was just very sudden,” said cellist Lisa Truelove, of Ashland, who has been with the orchestra for more than 20 years. Principal violist Ray Tischer said the move was disturbing. “This thing really threw me for a loop,” said Tischer, who has been with the classical orchestra for more than 30 years. "I’m kind of incensed about this as a member of the Britt orchestra.” Warren’s position has been divided between two staff members. In addition, two development associates have been moved into the new positions of chief operating officer and development manager. A new development associate will be hired. “The leadership of Britt for the past year has been looking for ways to improve efficiencies,” said Chief Executive Officer Donna Briggs. The leadership includes the board of directors and Briggs. A prepared statement from Britt said the changes would allow the organization to build new capabilities and capacities in the coming decades. “Britt thanks Warren for her dedication and passion for the arts, which have been key elements in shaping the direction of Britt’s Classical Festival,” the statement said. Longstanding Britt policy precludes discussion of personnel issues, Briggs said. Warren did not return phone calls seeking comment. She served as interim executive director in 2009-2010 after Rick Hood departed. Earlier she served as director of education. Tischer characterized Warren as extremely professional and able to work with all parties involved in putting on concerts. “It was our best season last summer as far as attendance,” said Truelove. “Angela really had our backs. I think she knows many of the audience members. She was always professional and really cheerful. “She was an integral part in the whole classical season,” she continued. "She really worked with all factions of the classical season. I can’t imagine anyone doing it better." “To me, coming up to Britt, part of that is Angela being present there,” said Tischer, who lives in Santa Barbara, Calif. "She’s a total advocate for the orchestra." Tischer said he feels Britt owes the community an explanation for the change. While it is a private organization, it functions as a community member, he said. “This woman has given her time and energy and blood and everything possible to this festival,” said Tischer. “I’ve seen her rise through the education program.” “The musicians are very sad. Angela was a friend to us all,” said percussionist Tony Edwards, chair of the orchestra committee. “We wished it hadn’t happened, but we are going to go on.” Musicians are inspired by new conductor Teddy Abrams’ vision of making the Britt classics into a world-renowned festival and intend to pursue that goal, said Edwards. “Of course, there are a lot of hard feelings,” said Edwards. “What the committee is trying to do is make the best of a situation.” Mike Sturgill, director of programming, and Mark Knippel will share the duties of the former director of performing arts position. Knippel will be orchestra manager, a new position. He has been with Britt eight years, the last two as classical assistant. Sturgill has been with Britt for 20 years. He has programmed the classical festival in previous years. Sky Loos is now the chief operating officer and Bobby Abernathy is development manager. Both were development associates. Tony Boom is a freelance writer living in Ashland. Reach him at [email protected]. http://www.mailtribune.com/article/20141114/NEWS/141119758 © 2015 Copyright © 1995-2011 Crain Communications Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms of Use Privacy Statement -->