Houston Ballet Names Sonja Kostich as New Executive Director

News Summary

The Houston Ballet has appointed Sonja Kostich as its new Executive Director, effective this August. Kostich, formerly of the Baryshnikov Arts Center, brings extensive experience in the performing arts and financial expertise. She aims to enhance the company’s community ties and global profile while continuing the legacy of excellence established by her predecessors. Kostich’s background also includes a rich history as a dancer and impressive educational credentials, positioning her to lead the ballet into a promising future.

Houston Ballet Appoints Sonja Kostich as New Executive Director

The Houston Ballet has announced the appointment of Sonja Kostich as its new Executive Director, effective this August. Kostich brings a wealth of experience and a strong background in the performing arts, positioning her to lead one of the premier ballet companies in the United States.

Kostich previously held the role of president and executive director of the Baryshnikov Arts Center in New York City, where she served since 2022. Her leadership there achieved financial stability and expanded opportunities for artists, contributing to record-breaking income levels for the center. Before this, she was the Chief Executive and Artistic Officer of Kaatsbaan Cultural Park from 2018 to 2022, where she successfully led a rebranding and revitalization effort.

In addition to her administrative roles, Kostich has a rich history in dance, having performed with esteemed companies such as the American Ballet Theatre, San Francisco Ballet, Zurich Ballet, and the White Oak Dance Project. She was notably selected by esteemed dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov to join the American Ballet Theatre at just 17 years old, following her training at the School of Classical Ballet, an institution founded by Baryshnikov.

Education and Professional Background

Sonja Kostich’s academic credentials are impressive. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the Zicklin School of Business at CUNY Baruch College, where she graduated as Salutatorian at the age of 42. Additionally, she earned a master’s degree in arts administration. Her diverse professional history includes positions at prominent organizations such as Goldman Sachs, Mark Morris Dance Group, and New York City Center, adding to her expertise in both the financial and arts sectors.

Vision for Houston Ballet

As Kostich steps into her new role, she aims to strengthen the Houston Ballet’s community ties and uphold its legacy as an outstanding institution. Both the board chair Kristy Bradshaw and the co-artistic directors, Stanton Welch and Julie Kent, have expressed confidence in her capacity to enhance the company’s global profile. Kostich’s previous collaborations with Welch and Kent during their time at the American Ballet Theatre will likely aid in her seamless integration into the Houston community.

Transitioning Leadership

James Nelson, the current executive director, will mentor Kostich as she transitions into her new position. He will take on an advisory role to support her during this period. Kostich has already expressed admiration for the Houston Ballet, describing it as an exemplary company with exceptional artists and a robust history of community support.

Conclusion

With her extensive background in both performing arts and arts administration, Sonja Kostich is poised to lead the Houston Ballet into a promising future. Her appointment underscores the company’s commitment to artistic excellence and community engagement, setting the stage for continued growth and innovation in the world of ballet.

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Additional Resources

• Click2Houston
• Wikipedia: Houston Ballet
• CultureMap
• Google Search: Sonja Kostich Houston Ballet
• Houston Chronicle
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Ballet
• CultureMap: Angelo Greco
• Google News: Houston Ballet Sonja Kostich