Hartford Symphony believes passionately in the performance of live symphonic music and its value in the community. To that end, the mission of the HSO is to perform live orchestral music of the highest quality for ever-expanding audiences, and to increase through its educational programs the understanding and enjoyment of that music by residents in Connecticut.

ENCORE TALENT: Passion + transferable skills = new fundraising role

Ruth Sovronsky, Development Director

Ruth Sovronsky’s work and life experience made her a standout – and nontraditional – candidate for the Hartford Symphony Orchestra’s Director of Development role. She grew up in a family that valued music as part of a well-rounded education, and both children are classically-trained professional musicians.

Ruth has a passion for bringing the arts to young people and for enlarging the classical music audience. Side by side with her personal commitment to classical music, she brought decades of professional experience as a lawyer, including leadership, consensus-building, communication and mastering complex issues. She commented, “as an attorney, and now as a Development Director, I am using similar skills: helping people to commit to a shared vision, negotiating, active listening, speaking in front of groups, learning a subject matter quickly.”

Ruth’s described her commitment this way: “A love of music is in my DNA, but my professional decision to join the HSO staff was prompted by my desire to be part of an important arts organization interested in serving the community through music. I have personally witnessed how art and music education can save lives, and children must have professional role models to help them understand that a career in the arts is possible. The importance of a high-level professional regional orchestra such as the Hartford Symphony is essential to the community as an art form, as a critical economic driver, and as a force for inspiration. “

NONPROFIT BENEFITS: Work and life experience plus maturity – a winning combination

David Fay, CEO

CEO David Fay commented, “When we recruited a new development director, Ruth was by far the best qualified on all fronts. Her life and work experience were some of her strongest assets. Her law background and writing skills distinguished her from other candidates.  Her analytical capabilities were clear.  She had development experience and personal interest in classical music as a musician with family members in orchestras.”

David also pointed to the value of maturity. “When we consider an experienced professional as a candidate, we really value their maturity and the ‘wisdom of years’ that can help our entire team succeed in our mission and in our community engagement.”