CCB MEDIA PHOTO
Jerome Karter, executive director of the Cape Symphony and Conservatory, is retiring this June.
HYANNIS – After nine seasons at the helm of the Cape Symphony and Conservatory, Jerome Karter plans to retire at the end of the Symphony’s season in June.
Karter was Vice Chairman of the board for the Cape Symphony prior to joining the administrative team in December 2006. He was a key organizer in the merger between the Cape Symphony and Conservatory in September 2010 and his business approach to guiding the organization has led to increased ticket sales for the Symphony and higher tuition numbers for the Conservatory, according to Cape Symphony and Conservatory Board Chairwoman Liz McNichols.
“Jerry’s deep commitment and passion for art, dance and music education was a powerful factor in the evolution of the merger between the Symphony & Conservatory. People may not realize that in addition to being a part of every Cape Symphony concert, he never misses a student performance, either,” said Stephanie Weaver, Managing Director of the Cape Conservatory.
Since the merger, Conservatory revenues have increased by roughly $200,000. Symphony ticket sales were $463,000 at the start of Karter’s career with the Symphony. Currently, ticket sales are nearing $1.6 million annually. Karter is also credited with improving the financial performance of the Cape Symphony from 27% in ticket sales in 2007 to near 70% in 2014, according to figures from the organization.
“The Cape Symphony flourishes today thanks to Jerry’s executive leadership,” added Artistic Director and Conductor Jung-Ho Pak. “His arrival, just a year before mine, came at a time when the symphony urgently needed a strong and experienced business approach. After several decades of a highly successful career in the complicated world of international re-insurance, Jerry brought an unusual belief that a symphony could think entrepreneurially,” explained Pak. Karter also led the search committee that hired Jung-Ho Pak in 2007.
“In many ways, we were the perfect team because I had a vision of revolutionizing the symphony and he was able to support that vision through tactical financial growth and partnerships,” Pak added.
“The job of administration is to support the artists and create the environment necessary for them to excel,” explained Karter.
He was an integral contributor on many programming initiatives within the organization participating in bi-weekly concert planning meetings with Jung-Ho and the concert production team. Some of the initiatives created during his tenure include the successful merger of the Cape Symphony and Conservatory, the creation of CCSO Presents, the introduction of the New Year’s Day concert and accompanying Vienna Café and the new chamber music ensemble, Nth Degree.
Karter will be leaving his post on June 30, 2015.
“Robert Barker, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees, is chairing the search committee tasked with finding a successor. This is a huge decision for our board, and it is important that we get it right. The legacy that Jerry leaves will, we hope, be reflected in the continued success of the Symphony and Conservatory in the coming years as we strive to bring first rate entertainment and arts education to the Cape community,” said McNichols.
Since his hire, Karter has attended every symphony concert rehearsal and established partnerships with numerous community leaders including, but not limited to the Mass Maritime Academy, Oyster Harbors, Provincetown Town Hall, The Center for Coastal Studies in Provincetown, Falmouth Academy and the Town of Barnstable.
“This has been one amazing dream after 42 years in the re-insurance industry to have the opportunity to help build a wonderful institution like this. I will miss working with these talented musicians, teachers and students,” said Karter.
Despite his plans to leave the Executive Director post, Pak suspects Karter won’t disappear from the Cape Symphony & Conservatory landscape.
“I don’t know anyone who loves the symphony and our concerts more than him. He’s our biggest fan, loving the music and representing the symphony with the greatest pride. The symphony and our community owe him a tremendous amount of gratitude… today and forever,” said Pak.
To hear an interview with Jerome Karter, listen below.
