The National Philharmonic

Music Center at Strathmore

5301Tuckerman Lane
North Bethesda, MD 20852
T 301.493.9283
F 301.493.9284

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRESS CONTACT: Deborah Birnbaum

301.493.9283, ext. 118
deborah@nationalphilharmonic.org

The National Philharmonic at Strathmore

Names Leanne Ferfolia President
North Bethesda, MD, June 7, 2016 The National Philharmonic at Strathmore is
pleased to announce the appointment of Leanne Ferfolia as its new President, effective
June 1, 2016. Ms. Ferfolia has been Vice President of the Philharmonic and before that,
Director of Development. Ms. Ferfolia succeeds Ken Oldham Jr., who after 14 years of
service to the National Philharmonic, including 11 years as President, has decided to
pursue other interests.
I am thrilled to be named President at this important juncture of the National
Philharmonics history, Ms. Ferfolia said. I look forward to leading this community
treasure and expanding its role as a presenter of orchestral and chorale concerts as well as
strengthening our value in the community through music education and outreach
programs. I would like to thank the Board of the National Philharmonic and the
Montgomery County Council for their faith in this organization and in me. The
National Philharmonic was recently included as a direct grant recipient in Montgomery
Countys FY2017 budget.

Music Director and Conductor of the National Philharmonic Piotr Gajewski said of Ms.
Ferfolias appointment: I am delighted that the National Philharmonic Board of
Directors moved swiftly to appoint a new President and their choice was excellent. In

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recent years, Leanne has distinguished herself as the National Philharmonics Vice
President and through her work in development. I look forward to working with her in
her new capacity as President.

Al Lampert, Chairman of the National Philharmonic Board, said: "I am excited for
Leanne as she takes the helm of the National Philharmonic. The Board felt that Leanne
had the right mix of capabilities and experience to be a successful leader of the
organization. We look forward to working with her to continue to develop the orchestra
and chorale into a major community asset."

Before joining the National Philharmonic, Ms. Ferfolia served as Executive Director of
the Abilene Philharmonic in Texas and North Arkansas Symphony in Fayetteville. In
Abilene, she positioned the organization for four consecutive surplus seasons despite the
largest economic downturn in the country. She brought the first commissioned premiere
work to Abilene and united arts organizations in collaborative biennial two-day events
that helped form Abilenes Cultural District.

Ms. Ferfolia has a B.M. from Colorado State University, winning the Diebel Performance
Award, and a M.M. from The Hartt School where she studied with Grammy nominated
pianist Luiz de Moura Castro. Her performance career has taken her to Spain, Italy,
Brazil and the United States for solo and orchestral appearances.

She is a board member of the International Keyboard Odyssiad & Festival. She resides
with her husband and their daughter in Alexandria, VA.

Media interviews with Ms. Ferfolia may be arranged by contacting Deborah Birnbaum,
Director of Marketing and PR, at deborah@nationalphilharmonic.org or by calling 301493-9283, ext. 118.
About the National Philharmonic
Led by dynamic Music Director and Conductor Piotr Gajewski, the National
Philharmonic is known for performances that are powerful, impeccable and thrilling
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(The Washington Post). The National Philharmonic boasts a long-standing tradition of

reasonably priced tickets and free admission to all young people age 7-17, assuring its
place as an accessible and enriching component in Montgomery County and the greater
Washington, DC area.
As the Music Center at Strathmores ensemble-in-residence, the National Philharmonic
showcases world-renowned guest artists in time-honored symphonic masterpieces
conducted by Maestro Gajewski and monumental choral masterworks under National
Philharmonic Chorale Artistic Director Stan Engebretson.

The National Philharmonic also offers exceptional and unique education programs, such
as the Summer Strings and Choral Institutes. Students accepted into the Summer String
Institutes study privately with National Philharmonic musicians, participate in coached
chamber music and play in an orchestra conducted by Maestro Gajewski and
Philharmonic Associate Conductor Victoria Gau. For more information, visit
www.nationalphilharmonic.org .

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