Meet New Executive Director Oliver Inteeworn of Newport Classical

Oliver Inteeworn began his post as executive director of Newport Classical in January. (Photo by Daniel Phillips)

Growing up in Germany near the French border, Newport Classical Executive Director Oliver Inteeworn often went to French restaurants with his family for Sunday lunch. The meals were multi-course, and though the individual courses might appear modest, the meal always left him feeling satisfied at the end.

That’s the approach, he says, he wants to take to programming at Newport Classical — where he started as executive director in January — including its signature summer music festival taking place July 2 through 19.

“I want to create that with Newport Classical, where people look at the whole festival and the whole season and look at it like different courses,” he says.

Not that there’s anything modest about the festival lineup. This year’s program brings world-class performers from a range of musical styles, from the Grammy Award-winning string performance of the Harlem Quartet, to a free Patriotic Pops concert at King Park, to two sold-out shows featuring Broadway star Jeremy Jordan. Inteeworn says he’s looking forward in particular to a performance by Sandbox Percussion with violinist Kristin Lee. The Grammy Award-nominated group is known for its innovative approach to chamber music utilizing a range of percussion instruments.

“That’s music that should be experienced live. That’s not music you should listen to at home on a recording,” he says.

Inteeworn comes to the organization from New York, where he previously served as executive director of the American Symphony Orchestra. There, he says, he launched the organization’s first jazz ensemble and created a new chamber music series. His roots are in classical guitar, and he also has experience playing in jazz and rock groups.

“I love any kind of music as long as it’s well done and performed by world-class performers,” he says.

Along with its focus on chamber music and respected New England reputation, Inteeworn says he was drawn to Newport Classical by its unique venues. This year’s Newport Classical Music Festival will take place at eleven venues across Aquidneck Island and the East Bay, including the Breakers, the Elms, Rosecliff and the Newport Art Museum. The diversity of venues, he says, elevates the music and sets the series apart from other classical performances.

“Our ability to present world-class music at the same level as places like Carnegie Hall is very unique,” he adds. “A performance at the Breakers with 300 people experiencing that work is different from a performance at Carnegie Hall with 800 seats.”

In addition to chamber music, the series features an opera night and performances from Broadway star Jordan, as well as the regional premiere of Vivian Fung’s “Goddess//Insect.” The free Patriotic Pops with Fenway Quintet — scheduled for July 4 at 8 p.m. at King Park — is an annual family favorite that takes place ahead of Newport’s Fourth of July fireworks.

Along with shaping programming, Inteeworn is tasked with implemented the organization’s newly adopted strategic plan, featuring four key pillars: expanding national awareness and establishing global recognition, engaging the people of Newport, generating new revenue streams and maintaining organizational health. He says he looks forward to working closely with the Newport community.

“All my experience has culminated in where I am right now, and I’m so thrilled to be here,” he says.

For a full list of upcoming performances or to purchase tickets, visit newportclassical.org.

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