Festival chief to step down
by Don Anderson, contributor

Jacqueline Saunders this week announced her retirement as executive director of the Ojai Music Festival following a decade of service, including six years in the top administrative job. She will step down at the end of the festival's fiscal year, July 31.
Under her leadership, the Music Festival has presented a succession of stellar programs assembled by artistic director Ernest Fleischmann, featuring artists like Esa-Pekka Salonen, Sir Simon Rattle, pianist Michiko Uchida, soprano Dawn Upshaw.
"Jackie has been an inspirational leader for us over this period," said Don Anderson, board president of the festival. "Without her patience, grasp of the repertoire and untiring efforts to make each program a success, we would be much less than we are today. She will be sorely missed."
He said the board will start an immediate search for her replacement.
Saunders said she was stepping down to devote more time to her family and other interests. "I'm proud of what we have accomplished together these past six years," she said. "It's wrenching to leave, but I know the right person will be found to take the festival to the next level. "I'm very honored to have been a part of one of Ojai's unique and most valued arts organizations."
Although she intends to retire, Saunders said she will continue as a volunteer, and hopes to enjoy many more festivals to come. Future plans include using her grant-writing abilities as a free-lance consultant.

© 2002 The Ojai Valley News

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