Boston Ballet announced today that Barry C. Hughson will resign his post as Executive Director in January 2014. Hughson will join the Toronto-based National Ballet of Canada replacing Kevin Garland as Executive Director.
"Since Barry's appointment, Boston Ballet has had five remarkable years of accomplishment," said Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen. "I have greatly enjoyed our executive partnership and have tremendous respect for his leadership skills. Barry is leaving the organization on a high note, and with our gratitude. We wish him all the best."
Hughson joined the Ballet in 2009. In partnership with Nissinen, the organization has achieved several key milestones during his tenure. Highlights include the development and execution of the organization's Case for Giving and $10 million Clean Slate Fund. Hughson was also instrumental in securing the future of the Ballet's South End headquarters by negotiating the land lease and overseeing the $3 million renovation in 2011.
Since 2009, Boston Ballet has raised more than $60 million in contributed revenue through annual fund contributions and special funding initiatives. Under Hughson's leadership, the Company has wiped out accumulated debt, and established the first operating cash reserve. In addition, total earned revenue, including ticket sales and school tuition, has increased by more than 20% over the same period.
With a $31 million operating budget, Boston Ballet is the fourth largest ballet company in the United States and has increasingly raised its national and international profile. Tours to Canada, Spain, Finland, and most recently, London, have received critical acclaim. The launch of Nissinen's new Nutcracker in 2012 brought record-breaking audiences and revenue. The Ballet launched the 50th season on September 21, 2013 with Night of Stars on Boston Common. This free performance attracted an unprecedented audience of 55,000 people and was the first large-scale outdoor event presented by Boston Ballet with the full company and orchestra. The 50th season continues at the Boston Opera House with the opening of La Bayadère in October, five company premieres, and will close in June with tours to the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC and Lincoln Center in New York.
"It has been an honor and privilege to partner with Mikko, our Board of Trustees, staff, volunteers, and the brilliant artists of Boston Ballet," said Hughson, adding "As we celebrate our 50th year, the Ballet and its leadership team is stronger than ever, on stage and behind the footlights." To that end, Hughson and Nissinen have recruited new talent to the senior management team including a Chief Development Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, and Director of Finance. The Company also added a new position of a Planning and Business Development Manager in 2013. Part of the team's charge is to broaden the company's audience and to expand education and community programs.
According to Board Chair Jack Meyer, "Barry's tenure at Boston Ballet has been marked by progress, accomplishment, and momentum. The Ballet is a different, and a better place than when he joined in 2009. We shall miss his wit, camaraderie, and leadership. We thank Barry for his many contributions to Boston Ballet and wish him and his family well as they begin a new adventure."
Boston Ballet will immediately launch a national search to identify Hughson's successor.
Boston Ballet's internationally acclaimed performances of classical, neo-classical, and contemporary ballets, combined with a dedication to world class dance education and community outreach programs have made the institution a leader in its field, with a 50 year history of promoting excellence and access to dance. In addition to the brilliant programming for the 2013-2014 season, Boston Ballet will celebrate its 50th anniversary by launching a micro-site featuring 50 years of Boston Ballet in photos. Throughout the duration of the season, a limited edition souvenir program featuring never-before-seen Company photography will be sold. As an exciting new initiative, Boston Ballet will be reaching out to Company dancers of the past 50 years for an alumni weekend celebration March 14-16, 2014.
Boston Ballet maintains a diverse repertoire, ranging from timeless classics such as Marius Petipa's The Sleeping Beauty and Giselle, John Cranko's Romeo and Juliet, and a rich collection of Balanchine choreography to cutting edge contemporary works by Resident Choreographer Jorma Elo and the visionary Jiří Kylián.
Boston Ballet School, the official school of Boston Ballet, has a long-standing dedication to excellence and access. The School reaches more than 10,000 students (toddler to adult) each year through Boston Ballet School classes, the Summer Dance Workshop, and the Summer Dance Program held at three studio locations in Boston, Newton, and Marblehead.
Boston Ballet's nationally-acclaimed education programs include Citydance, Taking Steps, and Adaptive Dance. The programs are offered in partnership with the Boston Public Schools and in communities throughout the city and region.
Boston Ballet gratefully acknowledges the following institutional partners:
State Street Corporation, 2013 Presenting Sponsor, The Nutcracker, London Tour
Barr Foundation
The Boston Foundation
Massachusetts Cultural Council
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