Marking the end of an era for Australia’s national chamber music organisation, Mary Jo Capps will step down as CEO of Musica Viva at the end of 2018 after a tenure of almost 20 years, the organisation’s Chairman Charles Graham announced today. Capps, who was last year awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Melbourne for her contribution to music, and the inaugural Arts Leadership Award by Creative Partnerships Australia the year before, was appointed CEO of Musica Viva in 1999.

Carl Vine, who was appointed as Artistic Director in November 2000, will step down at the end of 2019 as part of the organisation’s long-term succession strategy and his final season will be Musica Viva’s 75th anniversary program in 2020.

Mary Jo Capps and Carl Vine. Photo © Keith Saunders

“Musica Viva has gone from strength to strength, thanks in no small part to the inspired leadership of Mary Jo and Carl,” Graham said. “Indeed, they have played a pivotal role not only in our company’s ongoing success but also in shaping a strong and vibrant international arts sector. I would like to express...