One of the nice things about writing an article viewed largely by art and music patrons, is that I need not define terms like Cadenza: readers of this article already know the word. Cadenza, of course, also has subtextual connotations, replete with nuance. So many musical terms, borrowed from Italian, German and French, have become embedded in English usage and many more words should be. Never being one to resist an opportunity to utilize musical analogies, I segue into my farewell as Artown Chair. How wonderful that this readership is sophisticated and artistically inclined enough to indulge my metaphoric use of musical terminology!!

My term as Board Chair expires this week and I am stepping down as Chair of Artown. Having been on the Artown Board of Directors for five years, I have had the honor to work with many wonderful people and I have had the opportunity to meet guest artists who are giants in the arts world. The economic climate this year brought certain challenges, but the record crowds at Wingfield Park and the community exuberance at Artown events, demonstrated that Reno really needs Artown molto energico!

Maestro Beth Macmillan, our executive director manages the affairs of the organization con brio, much as a Conductor directs a production. (Purists are usually offended that ‘Maestro’ is gender biased and there is no Italian feminine word-form for conductor; the word Maestra, means school-mistress, not a female maestro.) Artown’s sponsors and quite notably the City of Reno, are the patronage that keep the Artown events accessible to all. Our chorale of Board members (notice I didn’t say “chorus” – which carries very different Greek theatrical connotations), has been a dedicated ensemble, often willing to conquer not only the basic symphonic forms, but appoggiatura, as well. The Artown staff comprise the orchestral virtuosi, accomplished and devoted to the success of Artown. Finally, the Artown volunteers and Friends of Artown are the nebenstimmen, whose hard work and dedication, like the harmony voices in a choir, form a foundation upon which melody can thrive. If I have forgotten anyone, mia culpa.

The Artown mission is:

“[T]o strengthen Reno’s arts industry, enhance our civic identity and national image, thereby creating a climate for the cultural and economic rebirth of our region.”

To this mission, I add my observation that the Reno community needs Artown and deserves all of the cultural excellence that Artown offers. I am confident Artown’s next Chairperson, its Board and Beth Macmillan will continue with the tradition of high caliber offerings to which the Artown sponsors and the Reno Community are entitled. As long as we all maintain our artistic acumen and integrity, Artown’s quality will never be compromised and the arts will flourish.

So while a cadenza is literally an ornamental instrumental passage within a concerto, it is also a cadence or transition – in this case, mine. Stepping down from the position of Board Chair is both con affetto and en pressant. It has been a privilege to be Artown’s Board Chair.

Ellen Jean Winograd
Chair, Artown Board of Directors