A Reno Chamber Orchestra Update

Thom Mayes
Reno Chamber Orchestra Executive Director  

Thom will reflect on his first year as the Executive Director of the RCO and share his vision for the organization moving forward.  He’ll also provide an update on the search for a new Music Director.

Thom Mayes has a background as both a classical performer and administrator, holding degrees in double bass performance from the University of Colorado and a Masters in Arts in Leadership from Seattle University.  He came to Reno in late 2018 from the Seattle area where he was CEO of the Northwest Sinfonietta, a chamber orchestra performing in the Seattle-Tacoma area.  Prior to that, Mayes spent three seasons as Executive Director of the Whatcom Symphony Orchestra in Bellingham. In that capacity he oversaw the orchestra’s first sold-out season, as well as its 40th anniversary celebrations, working closely with Israeli-born Music Director Yaniv Attar. During his tenure the organization experienced a period of financial and artistic growth, with an increase in donations from the community and performances with soloists including Gil Shaham, James Ehnes, and Johannes Moser. He has also served as Executive Director of historic theatres, including the Capitol Theater in Olympia and the Lincoln Theatre in Mount Vernon. He has also worked in the administrations of the Icicle Creek Center for the Arts in Leavenworth and Seattle Opera.