Parker Monroe is stepping down as executive director of New Century Chamber Orchestra at the end of the season next March. He's been in the position for 18 years, during three music directors and three presidents. His leadership, says NCCO President Mark Salkind, "put New Century on the musical map, first here in the Bay Area and then beyond into the national musical community. He will be greatly missed. At the start of the new year, we will come together and begin the search process for a new leader."
Monroe's note acknowledges the "enormous honor to work with the incredible musicians and board of directors of the New Century Chamber Orchestra and, of course, with the inspiring Nadja Salerno Sonnenberg," adding:
"After nearly two decades with this wonderful organization, I’m ready for some new challenges and the Master’s Program at Stanford that I began in September will surely provide them. I am also looking forward to travelling with my wife, Teresa Darragh, and to being more available to help care for my parents on the East Coast. I will never be far from this amazing ensemble and can now spend more time in the audience instead of the office."
During Monroe's directorship, New Century has embarked on six national tours, commissioned and premiered 14 new works, released five recordings with an additional sixth planned for next May, and developed a strong national radio presence with more than 35 broadcasts on 260 radio stations across the country. The organization also developed “String Quartet Encounters,” an education program offered at no cost to more than 1,500 third through fifth grade students in Marin County.