Montecito Miscellany Reed to Retire

by Richard Mineards

Scott Reed, who has served as president and CEO of Montecito’s Music Academy for 14 years, is stepping down next summer, I can exclusively reveal.

The fourth president in the historic organization’s history, Scott, a UCSB graduate, has worked with the oceanside Miraflores campus for nearly 25 years, starting as an unpaid intern. He took over from NancyBell Coe when she retired and was chosen from more than 50 applicants after a seven-month nationwide search.

During his time leading the academy, applications have risen 34 percent and performance attendance has increased 38 percent, with the budget soaring 82 percent, reflecting a number of new programmatic achievements. He also oversaw projects worth more than $50 million.

The academy also forged a historic four-year partnership with the New York Philharmonic in 2014 and then the London Symphony Orchestra in 2018, including working with Sir Simon Rattle and conductor emeritus Michael Tilson Thomas.

“I am setting my sights on expanding my impact in the arts and beyond through the launch of my own fundraising firm,” Reed tells me.

“My passion for fundraising and experience with its ability to be a catalyst for positive change in the community and in the world is an inspiration for my professional and personal life.

“The Music Academy has allowed me to develop my skills in fundraising at the high- est level and, in many ways, has prepared me for this next meaningful step in my career.”

The search for Scott’s successor has already begun.

“It will be an exciting one,” he adds. “Be assured that the process, led by our capable board, will be thoughtful and driven in a way that will ensure the Music Academy’s continued standard of excellence.”

I wish him all success....

A Dream Performance

State Street Ballet’s performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Granada was an enchanting show full of mishaps and mayhem.

The William Shakespeare work, with rollicking music written in 1843 by Felix Mendelssohn – he composed the overture when just 17 – and inventive choreography by company founder Rodney Gustafson, transcended the two worlds of mortals and fairies, a whimsical and humorous homage to the transformative power of love with mischief, magic, and romance.

Much credit goes to Marika Kobayashi and Ryan Lenkey, and Deise Mendonça and Hernan Montenegro as the besotted lovers in the one-act ballet. Kaito Yamamoto as the mischievous fairy Puck was also a standout, along with Nerea Barrondo as Titania, Harold Mendez as Oberon, and the ever-entertaining Sergei Domrachev as Bottom, among the talented cast.

The entertaining program also featured three opening contemporary works – Tango Rain, set to the sensuous Argentinian music of Astor Piazzolla, choreographed by William Soleau, co-artistic director, pulsating Fold by Kassandra Taylor Newberry, centered around a game of poker to the music of Gladiator film composer Hans Zimmer, and a charming pas de deux, Spring Waters, to music by Rachmaninoff choreographed by Asaf Messerer.

Causing a Classic Ruckus

Ruckus, a sextet of talented period instrumentalists, were going for