Schubert Club’s Artistic & Executive Director to Step Down
By David SalazarSchubert Club has announced that Artistic & Executive Director Barry Kempton will step down on June 30, 2026.
He leaves after 15 years at the helm, during which the Schubert Club expanded its annual programming to 60 concerts across five series and launched Schubert Club Mix. Also under his watch, the organization commissioned more than 50 new works, often as a co-commissioning partner, and redesigned its Music Museum in Landmark Center into an interactive, hands-on experience. Additionally, the organization adopted a new strategic framework centered on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and successfully doubled its endowment to $26 million.
“Leading the Schubert Club has been one of the great joys of my professional life,” Kemp said per an official press release. “I feel truly fortunate to have worked in partnership with such dedicated, inspiring people in the staff and on the Board of Directors. When I step down next summer, I will do so with deep gratitude for the trust, support, and kindness I’ve experienced from so many people along the way. In the meantime, however, we have a fabulous season ahead—concerts, education activities, and Museum programming galore!”
Additionally, Kempton is a dedicated supporter of the Arts Partnership—an alliance between the Ordway, Minnesota Opera, the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, and Schubert Club. He has served two terms as board president and is chair of the Investment Committee.
“Barry’s enduring gift to us is that Schubert Club’s future is extraordinarily bright,” added Schubert Club Board Chair Ann Juergens. “With his steady leadership, caring relationships with artists, and his passion for promoting a diverse offering of local and global musicians, Barry has enhanced Schubert Club’s worldwide reputation while deepening our engagement with the Twin Cities arts community.”
Read Related Stories
Categories
Business
