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It is with great pride and a touch of wistfulness that I announce my retirement as Executive Director of Gotham Early Music Scene (GEMS). I write to thank you for your loyal support over these 15 years since our founding. Together, we built an organization that changed the dimensions of the early music scene in New York; more music, more work for artists, and a near-limitless journey into global musical history.

In a testament to the dedication and quality of the GEMS staff, volunteers, individual contributors, grant-makers, and visionary organizational governance, the GEMS Board of Directors has selected John Thiessen, our previous Director of Education and Concert Production, to be GEMS' next Executive Director—only the second person to hold this post since our founding. John is a highly respected musician (natural trumpet), contractor, and administrator, and is enthusiastic about making this major transition in his own career by taking on this new role.

I will continue my association with GEMS as President of the Board as of September 1, and lend a hand wherever the organization I so love deems useful as we move into a new phase.

GEMS is grateful for the passion, dedication, and encouragement of the artists and patrons in our early music community who have contributed so much to our success and that of our genre, and we look forward to continuing to serve them.

And now, for the last time as Executive Director, I ask that you consider making a special gift to GEMS in support of this exciting transition. For it is you, in unison with a devoted community of early music artists, benefactors, advocates, and educators, that truly keep New York on the map as a thriving nexus for the early music scene.

Wishing you strength, safety, endurance and, of course, the joy of music.

Gratefully yours,
Gene

GEMS is a non-profit corporation that supports and promotes the artists and organizations in New York devoted to early music — playing repertoire from the Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, and early Classical periods.