Avital Rabinowitz tapped to lead Rochester Civic Music

Avital Rabinowitz will serve as the next general manager of Rochester Civic Music, the city announced on Tuesday.

Rabinowitz comes to Rochester from St. Paul, where she worked as a producer for American Public Media. She will succeed Steve Schmidt, who retired last fall after more than three decades with the city.

“I am thrilled and honored to serve the City of Rochester as General Manager for Civic Music,” Rabinowitz said in a written statement. “Rochester has long been a national leader in supporting music and the arts, to the great benefit of its citizens and visitors. I look forward to supporting that legacy by developing programs that enrich and enhance the Rochester community through music.”

Rabinowitz’s responsibilities will include overseeing the popular Down by the Riverside concert series, along with other music programming such as the Global Music Series and forWARD neighborhood concerts.

Her first day on the job is slated for Feb. 28.

“We are excited to welcome Ms. Rabinowitz to the Rochester team,” said City Administrator Alison Zelms. “She joins a strong team of committed professionals in Civic Music who are hard at work preparing for the 2022 season, which includes the 30th Anniversary season of Down by the Riverside. Avital’s unique background, expertise and passion will serve our residents, businesses and visitors well.”

Rabinowitz’s background also includes a bachelor’s degree in arts from Barnard College at Columbia University, a master’s of arts and cultural leadership from the University of Minnesota, and a master’s in business administration from Capella University.

Cover photo: Avital Rabinowitz / Submitted