Annapolis, Maryland – The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra (ASO) is pleased to announce the appointment of Erica Bondarev Rapach as permanent Executive Director, effective March 1, 2025. With her extensive background in arts management, brand innovation, and non-profit leadership, Erica brings a wealth of knowledge and a bold vision to the ASO, positioning the organization for continued success and sustainability.
A seasoned arts administrator and business leader committed to change management, creativity, and social responsibility, Erica has built a career centered on fostering connections, cultivating authentic collaborations, and engaging internal and external stakeholders in new ways. She has held key arts marketing and executive management positions at The Washington Ballet, Theater Alliance of DC, The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center at the University of Maryland, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, and the .ART domain registry. An adjunct faculty member in American University’s Graduate Arts Management program – where she is also an alum – Erica is a recognized advocate for the transformative power of the arts.
“Erica impressed the Search Committee with her extensive experience in all aspects of arts management, and we feel she brings the skills and leadership the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra needs at this moment in time,” said Katherine Edwards, MD, incoming Board Chair and Chair of the Executive Director Search Committee.
Since joining the ASO as Interim Executive Director in September 2024, Erica has already made a significant impact. She has led efforts to strengthen financial management, enhance organizational culture, and elevate strategic marketing. Under her leadership:
- The ASO exceeded revenue goals for five recent performances, including at new venues beyond its core Annapolis market.
- She secured unanimous board approval for the 2025-2026 fiscal year budget, aligning financial planning with multi-year strategic priorities.
- She has cultivated a workplace culture of accountability, trust, and teamwork, improving staff morale and engagement.
- She helped integrate new planning tools into administrative functions in order to drive donor, subscriber, and single-ticket revenue growth.
Looking ahead, Erica is eager to build on this early momentum in partnership with Artistic Director José-Luis Novo, ensuring ASO continues to thrive artistically and operationally.
“I am absolutely delighted to welcome Erica as the Executive Director of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra,” Novo said. “In her interim role, she has quickly inspired our staff, fostering excellence across all aspects of running a successful orchestra. Her impressive professional credentials, boundless curiosity, and deep passion for music make her an invaluable asset to our organization. I look forward to seeing her leadership continue to elevate the ASO in the years ahead.”
As Executive Director, Erica is committed to expanding community engagement, fostering new partnerships, and strengthening ASO’s presence in the region. She looks forward to collaborating with donors, corporate sponsors, and cultural organizations to attract diverse audiences and champion the role of the ASO locally, regionally, and nationally.
“We are very much looking forward to welcoming Erica as our permanent Executive Director,” said Shelley Row, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “We believe Erica’s skills in arts management, in partnership with our Maestro, Jose-Luis Novo, will continue growing the ASO’s relevance in the region as a leading arts organization.”
A classically trained violinist, Erica’s journey in arts leadership began during her service as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Russia, where she performed with the Volgograd Symphony Orchestra and organized its first-ever U.S. tour. That experience ignited a passion for arts advocacy and cross-cultural exchange, shaping her 20-year career in arts management.
“I am honored to step into the role of Executive Director at the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra permanently,” said Erica Bondarev Rapach. “I look forward to deepening ASO’s engagement with our community, furthering our mission to inspire through music, and building on our 63-year legacy as Anne Arundel County’s oldest and largest performing arts organization.”
The search for interim and permanent Executive Director was managed by the Arts Consulting Group.
About the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra
The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra is a professional ensemble of 70 musicians who perform symphonic music for audiences of all ages. Maestro José-Luis Novo serves as Artistic Director and Conductor. The mission of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra is to inspire, educate, and enrich lives near and far by creating extraordinary musical experiences with uncompromising artistic excellence. As we celebrate our 63rd year in Annapolis, we are more intent than ever on making music matter. The non-profit organization provides educational programs through its partnerships with local schools and various other community outreach efforts. For more information about the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, visit the website annapolissymphony.org
Media Contact:Diana Love DLove@annapolissymphony.org 410-267-3631
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Photo Credit: Nichole Haun