“Over the last several years, NOVA has been developing a strategic plan to ensure future growth and financial stability. Through those planning meetings, I came to realize that that the next stage for NOVA’s growth needs to be driven by an Artistic Director who simply has more hours in the day to devote to the organization. Between a full time job at Utah Symphony, a family with two young children, and an ambitious performing career, my life is rich and my schedule saturated. I’m grateful for all the opportunities I’ve had with NOVA and, although it will be a big transition for me, I look forward to seeing NOVA grow and working with the Board to find the best person for the job.”
NOVA board chairman Francis (Frank) Hanson praised Hardink’s tenure of visionary leadership as NOVA’s artistic profile grew through commissions, the broadening of community partnerships through collaborative works, and the building of a diverse roster of artist partners beyond the Utah borders, while maintaining a focus on celebrating Utah musicians and composers.
“The NOVA Board appreciates the opportunity to work with Mr. Hardink on planning for this critical transition. We are grateful for his assistance and partnership in planning this announcement and setting a positive stage for the new Artistic Director. NOVA is in a perfect position to attract new talent and continue our upward trajectory. Jason is valued and respected by everyone at NOVA and we look forward to his continued association in the years to come.”
Hardink joined NOVA as Artistic Director in 2009. His stewardship and leadership over NOVA’s artistic endeavors have garnered local and national recognition for innovation and excellence in classical music performance. He recently received the Salt Lake City Mayor's Award, presented at the Utah Arts Festival in June of 2016. He has distinguished NOVA from other artistic organizations by: regularly featuring the highest level of local artists and guest artists in the top of their field, presenting multi-year cycles of traditional repertoire and living composers, initiating significant interdisciplinary projects with other arts organizations, engaging the art song repertoire, integration of the historical canon and works by living composers through projects centered around meaningful juxtaposition, and visible commissioning projects of Utah and international composers.
Under Hardink’s leadership, NOVA’s fiscal growth has flourished, allowing NOVA to pay competitive musician and composer fees as well as driving a five-year strategic growth plan. Hardink has poised NOVA to present a wide array of ambitious and meaningful projects created for the purpose of celebrating NOVA’s 40th Anniversary Season with the local community.
“It has been both a professional and personal honor and pleasure to work with Jason,” said Kristin Rector, Executive Director. “Jason has a unique gift for innovative programming while simultaneously being mindful of planning for NOVA’s future. I have learned so much from him and will miss working with him. I wish him nothing but the best as he moves forward in this new chapter.”
Mr. Hanson said that the Board of Directors and administrative leadership are unified in their vision for NOVA’s future, ensuring a smooth transition moving forward.
Interested candidates should visit www.novaslc.org for detailed information on the search and Artistic Director job description.
About NOVA Chamber Music Series
The mission of the NOVA Chamber Music Series is to celebrate the vast chamber music repertoire performed by Utah's finest resident artists through concerts, commissions of new works, educational programs, and recordings.
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