Kevin Taylor Appointed Executive Director of DCINY and Jason Mlynek takes over as Director of Program Development

DCINY PROMOTES FROM WITHIN
Kevin Taylor Appointed Executive Director of DCINY and Jason Mlynek takes over as Director of Program Development

New York, NY (June 13, 2018) — Distinguished Concerts International New York (DCINY), under the leadership of Jonathan Griffith, Artistic Director and Principal Conductor and General Director Iris Derke, are pleased to announce the appointment of Kevin Taylor to Executive Director and Jason Mlynek to Director of Program Development. Taylor becomes the first-ever Executive Director of the successful organization, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this season.

A graduate of Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, Taylor began his career in the entertainment industry as a founder and original member of the male vocal ensemble Marcoux Corner. Following his 10 -year performance career, Taylor became involved with booking and producing, first as an associate at G.L. Berg Entertainment in Minnesota and then as a team member at Opus 3 Artists in New York City, coordinating tour details across the globe for the world’s most celebrated classical music performers. Armed with a broad range of experience, he has a unique understanding of what makes events successful. 

Mlynek studied music composition at Carnegie Mellon University and holds a Masters degree in Arts Management from Carnegie Mellon University. He has worked with Columbia Artists Music, Pittsburgh Opera and the Lyrique-en-mer Festival in Bretagne, France.

“All of us at DCINY are thrilled with the contributions and support shared with such enthusiasm by both of these talented individuals,” comments Jonathan Griffith, DCINY Artistic Director, and Principal Conductor. General Director Iris Derke adds: “Their growth with the company only strengthens what we do and further solidifies our mission to offer exquisite experiences to all.  Kevin and Jason’s integrity and passion is a wonderful spotlight on the continual evolution of our organization. It’s truly an exciting time at DCINY.”

As Executive Director, Taylor will oversee the operation of each department at DCINY, working to ensure a seamless, professional level experience for every DCINY participant. He will also play a role in the shaping and creation of the annual series, working in direct collaboration with DCINY’s Artistic Director, General Director and the company’s industry-leading roster of composers and conductors.  “I’m honored to be taking this next step with DCINY.  I believe so strongly in our mission and I’m excited to continue to provide meaningful and memorable live performance opportunities for singers and ensembles from all over the world,” says Taylor.

Mlynek, who served as Associate Director of Program Development for the past two years, will expand into his new role of Director of Program Development, managing DCINY’s growing programming team in their responsibilities for outreach to talented choirs and instrumental ensembles from around the globe.  “I am honored and humbled to be named Director of Program Development at DCINY. I am truly excited to continue working alongside such an incredible team to change lives through the power of performance,” states Mlynek.

Distinguished Concerts International New York is a leading producer of classical music programs. Founded in 2007 by Iris Derke and Jonathan Griffith, with its first public performance in January 2008, the organization is celebrating its 10th anniversary this season. Since its inception, over 40,000 musicians representing 45 countries and all 50 states have participated in DCINY productions. DCINY has produced 17 world premieres and more than 200 concerts for over 200,000 audience members.

Outside of choral works, DCINY has presented film premieres, dance performances, jazz concerts and international concert tours including the 2013 Eric Whitacre Singers North American Debut Tour and the Jonathan Griffith Singers tour to China in 2009, presenting the China Premiere of The Armed Man in Beijing and Shanghai, tour to Turkey with the TURKSOY organization in 2013, tour to South America - Argentina and Uruguay in 2011, and tour to Barcelona in 2017.  

The organization has been selected four times for Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies and received national recognition with multiple American Prizes: Jonathan Griffith a Winner of the American Prize in Conducting in 2014, 2015 and 2016, and Iris Derke and the DCINY Team were Winners of the American Prize in Arts Marketing in 2015 and 2017. DCINY also received the Michael Korn Founders Award for Philanthropic Contribution to the Arts from Chorus America in June of 2018, a Letter of Recognition from New York City Mayor for their 9/11 Concert at Lincoln Center, a Letter of Recognition from the New York City Affiliate of Susan G. Komen For The Cure, the Mattie J.T. Stepanek Foundation Honor and The Lesbian & Gay Big Apple Corps (LGBAC) of New York City named DCINY as recipient of the prestigious, “Profile in Leadership” Award.

For more information on DCINY, please visit www.DCINY.org.

 

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