Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes welcomes new General Manager

The Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes welcomes Heidi Berghoff to the position of General Manager. Ms. Berghoff brings a wide range of experience in
performing arts management to the position with OSFL. She fills the leadership role vacated by Janet Newcomb, who retired at the end of May. Franc Laux, OSFL Board of Trustees president, commented, “We are very, very fortunate to have found someone with Heidi’s extensive background in the business of performing arts already living here in the Southern Tier, and we are very enthusiastic about the possibilities for the organization with Heidi at the helm.”

After earning her Bachelor of Science in Finance at St. John’s University in Queens, NY, Heidi spent the better half of her professional life working in the theatre and the nonprofit world in many roles including: marketing director, development director, managing director, library director, benefit coordinator, volunteer coordinator, advertising, sales, program planner, program developer, and contract negotiator. For ten years she served as a developing theatre representative at ACTORS’ EQUITY ASSOCIATION, New York, NY where she administered and negotiated all Developing Theatre Contracts (90+) for the Mid–Atlantic region, monitored a range of critical business reports, developed new contracts and was responsible for all member claims and arbitrations. In addition, she assisted non union theatres in the process of organizing. Heidi also holds a Master of Science in Management from Elmira College. She is active in the community, having volunteered for the Humane Society of Schuyler County, the League of Women Voters and the Schuyler County Historical Society.

OSFL Music Director and Conductor Toshiyuki Shimada gave a warm welcome to Heidi at the Orchestra’s last concert of the season at the Corning Museum of Glass on Saturday, May 12. He remarked, “We welcome Heidi to our Orchestra family, and look forward to the strong leadership we know she will provide for the organization.” Heidi said, “I’m honored to have the opportunity to work with Maestro Shimada and all of the OSFL musicians. And I am delighted to be able to apply my skills and experience to advance the success of such an admired organization.”

OSFL recently announced its 2012-2013 season, which offers something for everyone. In a departure from tradition, OSFL will hold more of its concerts at the Clemens Center in Elmira. This arrangement gives OSFL patrons more pricing and seating options. It also gives OSFL the capacity to accommodate the growing number of new patrons, and optimal flexibility to design the most delightful performances possible for OSFL audiences, like those described in the attached overview. Subscriptions for the 2012-2013 season are on sale now. To subscribe or request a season brochure, please call 936-2873 or visit OSFL.org.