Press Releases
San Clemente, CA – “Music itself might not have the potential to civilize those who compose, perform, or listen to it, but the discussion can have a humanizing effect if we are open to it…. [it] also has the advantage of being available to a large number of people at the same time.”
This quote, by Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens Executive Director Berenika D. Schmitz, opens the chapter “Administrators of Music Organizations” in a new book entitled The Secret Magic of Music: Conversations with Musical Masters. The book, which was published by SelectBooks in 2016, consists of interviews with arts professionals about music and its impact on society. Schmitz was contacted by author Ida Lichter because, as the leader of a premier southern California cultural organization, she is an authority about successful arts administration.
“I had the privilege of meeting Ms. Lichter at the Union Club in Sydney, Australia which was a stop on my 2012 Asia Pacific concert tour,” say Schmitz.
Schmitz’s dedication to the arts and music rests on the belief that music [and artistic culture] can move people. In her interview, she examines what it takes to run a successful arts organization, critiquing the role of its leadership.
“Arts projects require devotion and hard work by the chief executive if they are to be successful…Capable managers understand that the characteristics of an effective administrator are in direct contrast to those of an artist. The latter deals with emotions, whereas the former needs to seek entrepreneurial opportunities and make cool-headed, savvy decisions.”
She has been the Executive Director of Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens in San Clemente since 2013. Her leadership has been distinguished by the major increase of arts and music programs for south Orange County, and by membership that has more than doubled at Casa Romantica in the past year alone.
Copies of the book are available for purchase in the Casa Romantica Gift Shop.
ABOUT THE CASA ROMANTICA CULTURAL CENTER AND GARDENS
Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization and is the historic home of the founder of the City of San Clemente. Casa Romantica provides programs for all ages in arts, music, history, horticulture and literature and is a premier Southern California cultural center.
