Fifth House Ensemble Announces New Leadership

Fifth House Ensemble, praised for “conviction, authority, and finesse” by the New York Times,  is pleased to announce the appointment of Alexandra Olsavsky as the organization’s next Executive Director, beginning February 15, 2021. 

Tad Gray, President of the Board, said, “I’m delighted that Alex has agreed to step up into the Executive Director role. Alex embodies the spirit of our mission and cares deeply about what we hold most dear. I’ve been impressed by Alex’s self-awareness and desire to learn as well as her growing confidence and resolve to realize our vision.”

Alexandra’s tenure begins as Fifth House’s Founder and CEO, Melissa Ngan, steps down to lead the American Composers Orchestra as President and CEO this month. Melissa will join Fifth House Ensemble’s board of directors, and will continue in her capacity as a speaker and facilitator in the ensemble’s university partnerships this season and in Fifth House’s summer festival, Fresh Inc.

“I couldn’t imagine a better person to be leading Fifth House Ensemble into its next chapter,” said Melissa Ngan. “In Alex, Fifth House has found a leader who truly understands the beating heart of this organization, and shares our dedication to its mission. It has truly been my honor to shape Fifth House Ensemble over the last 15 years into an organization that drives transformation through creative acts. I look forward to continuing to serve Fifth House’s mission and values, and to remaining connected to the Fifth House family from my new seat on the board.”

“Melissa's transition to the board is a huge step for our organization,” added Gray. “After fifteen years of both leading and managing the daily activities of Fifth House, we look forward to having her focus on what she does best and brings her joy. I'm personally grateful for her commitment to our future and willingness to support our team during this transition.”

Alexandra has most recently served as Fifth House Ensemble’s Managing Director, and previously held the position of Director of Operations and Production. In these leadership roles, Alexandra has overseen the first-ever digital presentation of the Fresh Inc Festival, facilitated an expansion of Fifth House’s virtual residency partnerships with universities nationwide, and ensured the smooth execution of the ensemble’s programming and operations during a transformational time for the organization and its field. 

“Since becoming a member of the Fifth House Ensemble family, I have been continually inspired by the unwavering dedication of our artists, staff, and board to transformative artmaking, particularly in a time that has demanded so much resilience in our field,” said Alexandra Olsavsky. “I am grateful to the visionary leadership Melissa has provided to the organization and to myself personally during this transition, and am honored to continue her legacy. I look forward to working with our team to deepen existing partnerships and forge new relationships with our broader community.”

ABOUT FIFTH HOUSE ENSEMBLE 

Praised by the New York Times for its “conviction, authority, and finesse,” the Chicago-based Fifth House Ensemble harnesses the collaborative spirit of chamber music to reach beyond the traditionally-perceived limits of classical music. The ensemble’s artistic, educational, and civic programs engage theater groups, video game designers, corporate innovators, and folk bands to share stories as diverse as the communities it serves.

Reaching 17,000 students annually through its arts-integrated educational programs, Fifth House connects K-12 core curricula to vivid, custom-crafted, and interactive musical experiences which challenge students to share and lead. As an extension of this work, Fifth House enters its fourth year of partnership with Loyola University’s Center for Urban Research and Learning this season, through which the ensemble is in residence at sites serving at-risk youth and adults including Deborah’s Place, Teen Living Programs, Cara Chicago, and Nancy B. Jefferson Alternative School at the Chicago Temporary Youth Detention Center. Fifth House also partners with Storycatchers Theatre as part of its residency at the detention center to develop new curriculum culminating in a new theatrical work based on participants’ own experiences.

An established partner and resource to the nation’s top music schools and conservatories, Fifth House launches the careers of emerging artists through entrepreneurship residencies and training programs, including those at Yale College, Eastman School of Music, New England Conservatory, Indiana University, Roosevelt University, the Cleveland Institute of Music, UT-Austin, Northwestern University, San Francisco Conservatory, DePaul University, and the Colburn School. Recent creative partnerships have included those with The Cleveland Orchestra and the San Francisco Opera. In 2012, Fifth House launched Fresh Inc, a two-week, intensive training program for emerging composers and performers where Fifth House works with participants on building careers in music in line with their own unique vision and values.