Gayle Ober Named Director of Classical Music Programming for American Public Media's and Minnesota Public Radio's Classical Music Services
Contact: Brad Robideau
American Public Media
651-290-1113
brobideau@americanpublicmedia.org
Gayle Ober Named Director of Classical Music Programming for American Public Media's and Minnesota Public Radio's Classical Music Services
(St. Paul, Minn.) — May 8, 2006 — Gayle Ober has been named director of classical music programming for American Public Media's national and Minnesota Public Radio's regional classical music programming, effective early June.
In this role, Ober will be responsible for directing and managing Minnesota Public Radio's 18-station regional classical music network and Classical 24, the award-winning, nationally syndicated classical music service dedicated to live classical music programming 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Classical 24 is produced by American Public Media and distributed by Public Radio International, reaching over 2 million listeners per week. Ober will also lead the production of other American Public Media programs, including Saint Paul Sunday and Pipedreams.
"Gayle is an energetic and persuasive champion for classical music. Her background in music performance, music education, and cultural policy will be tremendous assets to Minnesota Public Radio. We are thrilled to have a leader of Gayle's experience and perspective in this newly created role," said Sarah Lutman, senior vice president of content and media at Minnesota Public Radio and American Public Media.
Previously, Ober served as St. Paul's director of arts, culture and entertainment under former Mayor Randy Kelly. In this role, she advised Mayor Kelly on general arts and cultural policy, as well as beginning the implementation of the city's Arts, Culture and Entertainment Plan. Prior to joining Mayor Kelly's staff, Ober was the executive director of The Dale Warland Singers, a 40-voice professional chorus directed by founder and music director Dale Warland.
"Minnesota Public Radio is a powerful voice for classical music," said Ober. "The quality of the programming and the sheer knowledge of the announcers make for wonderful daily listening. Classical music is where my heart and soul live, and I can't think of a better way to express that passion than to join the classical music team at Minnesota Public Radio and American Public Media."
Ober is vice president of the Mardag Foundation, a private charitable foundation located in St. Paul, and has served on the boards of other nonprofit and music organizations. A freelance vocal soloist, she sang with the Minnesota Chorale for 10 years.
Ober has a degree in music from the University of Minnesota and is completing a master's degree in nonprofit management from Hamline University.