In my quest to keep my readers informed about Central Indiana artists and arts organizations, I remain intent on shining the spotlight on arts administrators as well. Given my current position as managing director of Magic Thread Cabaret and as a former head of Ballet Internationale of Indianapolis and Edyvean Theatre, my interest in arts administration runs high.
During last year’s major shift in local arts leadership which changed hands, I had the opportunity to interview retiree David Hochoy, former Dance Kaleidoscope artistic director and Joshua Blake Carter, his replacement. Another retiree, Janet Allen, former Indiana Repertory theatre artistic director and Benjamin Hanna who replaced her, were also profiled in this column. Rounding out this series of profiles on artistic leaders, is the following story on Chris Williams, president and CEO of The American Pianist Association. Williams first day on the job was June 10.
Williams has spent a lifetime to the arts in a variety of roles including artist manager, contractor, composer, and performer. After studying viola performance as an undergraduate and earning a Master of Music degree from Yale University, Williams moved to New York and joined Frank Salomon Associates in the role of Artist Manager, where he served as an agent for prominent artists including Richard Goode, Sir Simon Rattle, Leon Fleisher and Jaime Laredo among others. He later took the role of Vice President at Judson Management Group representing a wide range of soloists and ensembles, including Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, Attacca Quartet, James Galway, Christina & Michelle Naughton and Vadym Kholodenko. Williams most recently served as Executive Vice President for Concert Artists Guild, where he managed and promoted early career ensembles and soloists in the genres of classical music, new music, crossover and jazz.
In late August I had the pleasure of meeting Williams following a performance of Magic Thread Cabaret’s IndyFringe Theatre Festival presentation of “Broadway’s Bad Girls,” at the Basile Theatre. Williams attended along with his friends Virgil and Robert Chan who were sponsors of the show. It was then that I requested a sit down with me. We finally met last month at Hubbard & Cravens Coffee Shop at 49th and Penn, followed by an email exchange. Below is our conversation.
Chris Williams – Courtesy of Titi Ayangade. Used with permission.
How is it that you found APA and vice versa?
APA has long been known to me as it’s one of the preeminent competitions for piano in the world. APA boasts an incredible list of laureates who serve as ambassadors of the organization and have made it known around the world.
What is the APA mission?
The mission of the American Pianists Association is to discover, promote and advance the careers of young, American, world-class jazz and classical pianists. We celebrate the beauty of music through America’s premier jazz and classical awards. We proudly call Indianapolis home.
Tell me about your previous experience in NYC?
In NYC I was a talent scout in the genres of classical music, new music, crossover, and jazz. I worked for several management firms both for-profit and non-profit.
What is your music background?
I grew up playing violin, viola, and piano. I studied music performance at the University of North Texas and Yale University. I spent part of my career as a producer and songwriter in pop genre.
Outside the APA, what are your interests?
Love live concerts, museums, food and drink, traveling, couponing, spending time with my family in Kansas, cooking, and winding down with Antiques Roadshow.
What is it that you love about the piano?
I love the incredible range of colors and sounds the piano can create. It’s a very versatile instrument with both solo and collaborative possibilities. It crosses all genres and is one of the most common household instruments!
Thus far, what is your impression of Indianapolis in general?
Indianapolis has shown itself to be an incredibly hospitable culture. I’ve been met with open arms on all occasions and could not be more grateful for the incredibly warm welcome from the APA board and staff.
What about the local arts scene?
The local art scene is incredibly rich. Indy has a diverse range of art forms to offer by man exemplary institutions. There really is something for everyone here!
What are your thoughts about representation?
As we think of our future at APA and our newly defined values, inclusivity and belonging are at the core of our present and future. We’re currently remodeling our competition and nominations processes to allow for broad representation in the identifying of our finalists and exploring new ways to partner with our surrounding communities. The power of music can unite and heal, and APA is excited to be a part of that.
Have you made friendships?
Yes, I’ve made many friendships! Joshua Blake Carter and Ben Hanna have already become close friends, as well as many others including Robert Gowen and Virgil Chan, and my mentor Joel Harrison who brilliantly guided APA. Additionally, some New Yorkers from Brooklyn!
Long term goals?
My long-term goals for APA include deepening our community engagement and diversifying the ways that we work with the community be it partnering with other arts organizations, park systems, the Cultural Trail, Downtown Indy, or any other number of institutions and organizations. I would also like to do more concert presenting around the city honoring our current modes of presenting, but also delving into multi-disciplinary and multi-media work, new music, more experiential concerts, and more family-friendly events.
On the national and international level, I aim to boost APA’s profile and most importantly the profiles of the sensational young pianists we nurture. We are in the process of a grass roots effort to increase APA’s profile and look forward to a stunning new website and brand refresh in the near future.
What is your message to Indy regarding why the community should support the mission of APA?
APA is shepherding the next generation of prominent and influential pianists in the world, and Indy can take pride knowing we are hosting the Superbowl of piano! The APA not only allows each pianist in our program to be nationally and internationally showcased and discovered, but more important the opportunity to engage with the Indianapolis community in meaningful ways and take those initiatives, whether it be music education or music therapy, around the country to make impact through music.
Is there anything I haven’t asked that you would like to add?
Thank you so much for reaching out to me and for your kindness, Tom!
For information about the The American Pianist Association and its programs visit americanpianists.org.
