Marble City Opera has announced the appointment of Lisa Muci Eckhoff as the company’s Managing Director, responsible, along with Founding Artistic Director Kathryn Frady and the MCO Board, for the organization’s administrative operations, fundraising, community partnerships, marketing, and strategic development.
A familiar face in the East Tennessee arts world, Eckhoff was previously a full-time violinist with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, building leadership experience serving on numerous musicians’ committees. Her service as a Citizen Grant Panelist for the Tennessee Arts Commission furthered her work in nonprofit leadership and fundraising.
As Executive Director of the Oak Ridge Civic Music Association (ORCMA), Eckhoff successfully guided the organization through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping musicians performing, audiences engaged, and donors invested. Her leadership resulted in record donations, a Tennessee state grant recognizing the organization’s economic impact through the arts, a nationwide music director search, the creation of a summer strings camp, and a fourfold increase in grant funding. Most recently, as Strings Program Lead at the Joy of Music School, she built a community of string families, increased grant funding, and provided interim administrative leadership.
She remains an active performer with the Bryan Symphony Orchestra, Oak Ridge Symphony Orchestra, and the nationally recognized Sphinx Symphony Orchestra, where she also participates in education initiatives as a mentor, teacher, coach, and adjudicator. Most recently, she served as Concertmaster for Knoxville Opera’s Greatest Hits production.
“Marble City Opera has built a reputation for producing innovative, intimate opera experiences that connect deeply with audiences,” said Eckhoff. “I’m honored to join the organization at such an exciting time and look forward to working alongside Kathryn, the Board of Directors, our artists, volunteers, and supporters to continue growing Marble City Opera’s impact throughout our community.”
“Lisa brings an extraordinary combination of nonprofit leadership, fundraising experience, and community engagement,” said Kathryn Frady, Founding Artistic Director of Marble City Opera. “She understands both the artistic and administrative sides of our field and has repeatedly demonstrated an ability to build relationships, strengthen organizations, and inspire community investment in the arts. We are thrilled to welcome her to the Marble City Opera family.”
