Jennifer Bilfield
Jennifer Bilfield joined Stanford Lively in 2006 as artistic and executive director. Having worked in the performing arts since 1983, Bilfield is best known for her specialized work in the strategic management, promotion and presentation of contemporary music. Bilfield began her career at music publisher Boosey & Hawkes in 1994 and held a number of roles before her appointment as President in 2002. During her tenure, Bilfield expanded Boosey & Hawkes' catalog, launching a Jazz publishing project, while adhering to the highest standards of artistic quality. She simultaneously conceived new strategies in the areas of promotion and marketing, spearheading initiatives that are emulated throughout the field. As a result, Boosey & Hawkes grew under often challenging economic conditions, and continues to attract leading composers to its roster.
Previously, Bilfield served as Executive Director of the National Orchestral Association, where she created the New Music Orchestral Project, a widely celebrated program that fostered new orchestral works by living American composers. Throughout this 4-year initiative, the organization launched 48 works with readings, world premieres at Carnegie Hall and second performances. Concurrently, the Project comprised the preparation of musical materials, a library of archival recordings and promotion of the music and composers. Bilfield also served as Executive Director of Concordia Chamber Symphony and the Bridgehampton Chamber Music Festival, and has held positions at Merkin Concert Hall and International Production Associates.
Throughout her career, Bilfield received numerous professional awards, including the Award for Adventuresome Programming from ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers) and the American Symphony Orchestra League's Helen M. Thompson Award, a biennial honor recognizing outstanding achievement in orchestra management.
Bilfield has served on several boards and committees within the music industry and was President of the New York-based American Music Center, and a member of the board of the American Symphony Orchestra League. She is also a frequent contributor to industry publications and conferences. Bilfield is a trained composer and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pennsylvania. She is married to Joel Phillip Friedman, a composer of concert and musical theater works. They have a young daughter named Hallie.