Orchestra 2001

Dear Friends of Orchestra 2001:

My name is Christina Rusnak, and I want to thank Jim and the board for asking me to be your new executive director. Arriving November 1, I came just in time to see the exceptionally talented Wu Man perform the works of Tan Dun and May T’Chi Chen, as well as the inspiring works of local composers Jay Reise and Jennifer Margaret Barker.  

Born in St. Louis, I’ve lived most of my life in the area of Dallas Texas. I bring nineteen years of managerial experience to Orchestra 2001, focusing on operational and strategic planning, forecasting and tactical execution.  I am experienced in all aspects of senior management functions including budgeting; short and long rang planning, and human resource development. 

I received my Masters degree in Composition from the University of North Texas, studying with Cindy McTee and David Bithell. I was awarded the Priddy Fellowship, and a graduate certification, in Arts Leadership. As an active composer, my work reflects a diversity of styles. ERMMedia has selected two of my pieces, Cloudburst and Kyripo for their Masterworks of the New Era CD series.  Most recently, I was commissioned to compose a site-specific work for the opening of Dallas Contemporary’s art space, where I also curate (think Artistic Director) a sound art program called “New Sounds”. 

I also want to introduce Adam Lesnick, who is our Director of Marketing and Education.  A horn player with Orchestra 2001 since its inception, he received his Bachelors and Masters degrees from Juilliard and a fellowship from Tanglewood. Mr. Lesnick has performed with the New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, Pittsburgh Symphony, and all of Philadelphia’s classical music ensembles. His musical travels have taken him to over fifty countries including ten summers at the Spoleto Festival in Italy, Fulbright Music Research Grants in Egypt and India, and Spring 2010 tours to Bermuda and Cuba with his wind quintet. He has worked for the education and community outreach departments of the Richmond Symphony and the Philadelphia Orchestra, and is the founder of International Opus, a music publishing company featuring ethnically diverse composers of contemporary classical music. 

Bill Gatti, whom most of you know and cherish, has taken on expanded responsibilities and, if you haven’t seen recent notes from him, has been promoted to Administrative Director, a title that truly reflects the breadth of his endeavors.

By now, you’ve received your seasonal brochure - please call if you haven’t! In this time of economic challenge, we are looking at opportunities to expand our visibility and relationship with the community with minimum cost.  With the strength of the staff, Jim, the performers and the board, I am confident we can again look toward growth.  I welcome any ideas you may have.  

Thank you.

Sincerely yours,

Christina S. Rusnak 

Executive Director

267-687-6243