Interlochen Center for the Arts has selected Enrique Márquez as Director of Music, following an executive search process led by Arts Consulting Group (ACG). He will begin his tenure on June 1, 2021.
Mr. Márquez most recently served as Manager of Events for the Harvard University Department of Music. In this role, he oversaw Music Department concerts and events and served as the administrator of the Fromm Music Foundation, which has commissioned more than 400 new compositions. Mr. Márquez actively collaborated with music institutions, including Tanglewood, the American Composers Orchestra, the American Academy in Rome, and Sony Classical. Prior to his time at Harvard University, Mr. Márquez lectured in the Arts Administration and Cultural Entrepreneurship Program at Northeastern University. As Director General of the Veracruz Cultural Institute in Mexico, he launched a state-wide youth orchestra in collaboration with El Sistema Venezuela and developed a performing arts showcase in partnership with the British Council. Mr. Márquez was also Founding Executive and Artistic Director of the Boca del Rio Philharmonic Orchestra, where he oversaw the launch of Orquestando Armonía, an afterschool orchestra and choir program for 500 low income children.
A seasoned violist who has performed in more than 25 countries, Mr. Márquez served as principal violist of the Orchestra of the Americas and Jeunesses Musicales World Orchestra. He also performed extensively as a musician in New York City, where he made his Carnegie Hall debut in 2005. In addition to being a member of the Advisory Council of the Global Leaders Program, he was recently selected as a fellow of the Sphinx LEAD Program, an exclusive cohort of leaders of color in the arts. An alumnus of both Interlochen Arts Camp and Interlochen Arts Academy, Mr. Márquez holds a bachelor of music degree in viola performance from the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, a master of music degree from the Manhattan School of Music, a master’s degree in cultural policy and management from City University London, and a master’s degree in education from the Harvard University Graduate School of Education.
In making the announcement, Interlochen Center for the Arts President Trey Devey said, “An accomplished educator, arts leader, musician, and Interlochen alumnus whose career in the arts spans continents and cultures, Enrique brings a unique global perspective to this position. We’re thrilled that he will return to Interlochen to energize and guide our music programs into the future.”
“With his proven ability to forge cross-cultural partnerships and collaborations, Enrique will expand Interlochen’s participation in the national and international music and music education communities,” said Interlochen Provost Camille Colatosti. “Our students will find inspiration in his passion for music and for Interlochen.”
“As an alumnus of both Interlochen Arts Camp and Interlochen Arts Academy, it is greatly meaningful to return to an institution that transformed my life and launched my career,” said Mr. Márquez. “I am eager to create impactful pathways and experiences for Interlochen students that will help them become our next generation of creative changemakers.”
Mr. Márquez joins Interlochen at a time of growing momentum in the Music Division. In the Arts Academy curriculum, works by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) composers are increasingly studied and presented by students. This July, for the third consecutive summer, musicians from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra will mentor Interlochen Arts Camp students. In 2019, the renowned conductor Cristian Măcelaru became the inaugural Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the World Youth Symphony Orchestra, following the opening of its $24 million state-of-the-art Music Center. The new facility seamlessly integrates top-notch acoustical engineering with expansive rehearsal halls; spacious teaching, recording, and practice studios; and lounge areas to encourage and foster collaboration.
“Best wishes to Enrique Márquez as he begins his tenure as Director of Music at Interlochen Center for the Arts,” said ACG President Dr. Bruce D. Thibodeau. “ACG was honored to work with the Interlochen search committee to find a visionary leader for its Music Division. Mr. Márquez’s history with the institution as well as his international experience will help guide Interlochen's artistic and educational direction and build upon its strong music programming, pedagogy, and curricula.”
May 2021