Phoenix Chorale Loses Leader
Joel Rinsema leaves Valley for Denver-based chorale ensemble.
JoeL Rinsema, who served as president and CEO of the Phoenix Chorale for 15 years, has resigned to focus his full attention on responsibilities as artistic director and conductor of the Denver-based choral ensemble Kantorei.
Rinsema was named to the Kantorei position at the start of the 2014 – 2015 season and has been splitting his time with the Phoenix Chorale.
Jen Rogers has been appointed interim president and CEO. Rogers also will be handling responsibilities as vice president of marketing and communications. The Phoenix Choral board plans to conduct a national search for a permanent replacement.
During Rinsema’s 23-year tenure, he served in nearly every capacity from singer to CEO. Under his leadership, the Phoenix Chorale experienced significant artistic and organizational successes, including winning two Grammy Awards and receiving eight Grammy nominations.
In addition, among Rinsema’s accomplishments were negotiating the first contract for a North American choir to sign with Chandos Records of the United Kingdom; leading the Phoenix Chorale to its Lincoln Center debut with its sister choir, the Kansas City Chorale; and critical acclaim from Gramophone magazine, Fanfare Magazine, International Record Review, American Record Guide, The Choral Journal and BBC Music Magazine, among others.
Jen Rogers’ affiliation with the Phoenix Chorale began in 2006 as a public relations consultant. During her tenure with the organization, the patron experience has been overhauled with new box office practices and improvements to front-of-house production, and ticket sales have increased 75 percent. With more than a decade in arts management experience, she has worked with a variety of musical ensembles and record labels from jazz to classical. Prior to joining the Phoenix Chorale, she managed public relations and marketing for The Phoenix Symphony. She currently also serves as an associate director on the board for Jazz in AZ and volunteers for Rosie’s House: A Music Academy for Children.
JEN ROGERS PHOTO BY TIM TRUMBLE
