Lorenzo Martinez Named Executive Director of Houston Chamber Choir

The rumors are true- there is a new member of the Houston Chamber Choir family! Houston's foremost professional choir is pleased to announce the appointment of Lorenzo Martinez as executive director. The new appointment comes as the Chamber Choir enters its twentieth season of presenting exciting, diverse, and world class choral music to the Houston area and beyond.

"I am thrilled by Lorenzo's appointment," says Houston Chamber Choir Founder and Artistic Director Robert Simpson. Adding, "He possesses a rare combination of personal warmth, administrative experience, fundraising expertise, and imagination. The Chamber Choir could not be in better hands." Frances Kittrell, President of the organization's Board of Directors adds, "His passion for the arts and his non-profit work experience is surpassed only by his energy and charm!"

Martinez succeeds Becky Tobin as executive director, following Becky's departure in December to assume the role of Vice President of Operations at the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra.

For close to twenty-five years, Lorenzo Martinez has overseen the development, marketing, and communications departments for a number of non-profit organizations, among them, Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD), for which he served as Vice President of External Affairs. He has represented these organizations at national and international conferences and has been a lecturer at several New York institutions such as New York University, the New School, York College of the City University of New York and the 92nd Street Y. Lorenzo Martinez holds a master's in piano performance from Manhattan School of Music and a doctorate in music education from Teachers College, Columbia University. He has appeared as a pianist on radio and television.

Hailing from Cuba, Martinez has written a book recounting his participation in an airlift that brought more than 14,000 children to this country to escape Castro's regime. Described as "a tour de force" and "reads like a symphony," Cuba, Adios is a poignant story of a boy who leaves family and his musical studies behind in search of political and personal freedom.

Commenting on his new position as Executive Director of the Houston Chamber Choir, Martinez said, "I'm thrilled to have joined an organization that is synonymous with the highest standards in vocal chamber music. I can't wait to see the Choir reach new heights and claim the successful future that is rightfully theirs."

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