HS Alliance
La Jolla Music Society’s two top leaders – President and CEO Todd Schultz and Artistic Director Leah Rosenthal – were both recently honored with regional and national leadership awards.
The San Diego Forum of Corporate Directors honored Schultz as Nonprofit Director of the Year during its annual awards program Sept. 8. Winners are chosen by their board peers at the nonprofit forum, which provides support, training and networking opportunities for local company leaders.
Schultz joined the La Jolla Music Society in January 2021, having worked for more than 30 years in arts administration, including executive positions at the McCallum Theatre, San Diego Symphony, Old Globe, LA Opera, San Diego Opera and Atlanta Opera. The Jolla Music Society will kick off its winter season on October 8 at its home theater, the Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center in La Jolla.
“Todd has led La Jolla Music Society for nearly two years through the problems of the pandemic with boundless energy, wisdom, common sense and superb theatrical and musical knowledge,” said Steve Baum, Chairman of the Board of administration of LJMS, in a press release. “His background in the performing arts, theater and classical music has been invaluable to our business, our board and our programming.”
Leah Rosenthal, artistic director of the La Jolla Music Society on stage at the Baker-Baum Concert Hall.
(Nelvin C. Cepeda/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Meanwhile, the Western States Alliance honored Rosenthal on August 29 with the 2022 Leadership Award at its annual conference in Calgary, Canada. The WAA is a membership association of touring and performing arts professionals who work in the western United States and Canadian provinces. Rosenthal was promoted to Artistic Director in April 2020, having held several other artistic roles for LJMS over the previous 12 years. She said she was honored to be recognized.
“This award is a testament to the strength of our organization’s commitment to artistic excellence, the support I have received from the Board of Directors, and above all the extraordinary talent and commitment of the staff,” said Rosenthal. in a press release.
Schultz praised Rosenthal’s dedication and in-depth industry knowledge.
“No one deserves this award more than Leah,” Schultz said in a statement. “Mostly working behind the scenes, Leah has dedicated her career to artists and audiences alike, working tirelessly to create inspiring seasons featuring some of the world’s greatest artists, as well as up-and-coming artists on the verge of stardom. Leah has an incredible level of taste, has high expectations, organizes each season beautifully and draws on an extensive international network of friends and colleagues in the arts.