New Director of Concert Office announced

Marna Seltzer, former artistic administrator and director of touring for the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center in New York, has been appointed Director of the Concert Office.

Seltzer came to Chicago in April after six years with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. She was previously associated with Herbert Barrett Management, where she booked classical musicians for U.S. tours. She was also office manager for Itzhak Perlman.

"Marna is an amazing find," said Anne Robertson, Professor and Chair of Music. "She has gained extensive, top-level experience in all areas of chamber music over her many years with the Chamber Music Society at Lincoln Center. The Music Department is thrilled she will bring this experience to bear in our various series here at the University."

Seltzer studied music history and theory at Boston University, receiving her B.A. in 1988. A violinist, she has performed with orchestras and chamber music groups throughout her life; she recently became a member of the University Symphony Orchestra.

Seltzer is already making her mark on the Concert Office by giving the Professional Concert Series a new name: The University of Chicago Presents. She has also altered the format of the 1998-99 season offerings to accommodate the Regents Park Discovery Concert, a bonus concert featuring an artist or ensemble new to Chicago audiences. Underwritten by Regents Park at Hyde Park, the concert will be a chance to thank subscribers for their support by adding it to their subscription for free. Single tickets to the concert will be budget priced for students.

The concert is part of Seltzer's plan to increase community outreach. "I'm really looking forward to building more relationships with the community. We need to think about our future audience," she said.