TUCSON, AZ. — [August 11, 2026] — Arizona Early Music (AEM), Arizona’s presenter of historically informed performance since 1982, today announced the appointment of Benjamin K. Roe as its new Executive Director, effective November 1, 2026. Roe succeeds Dominic Giardino, who has transitioned, as planned, to the role of Executive Director of Gotham Early Music Scene (GEMS) in New York City.
Roe brings more than four decades of leadership in classical music and public media to AEM, most recently at the Heifetz International Music Institute in Staunton, Virginia, where he served as President & CEO since 2014. As of October 1, Mr. Roe will become the organization’s President Emeritus. During his tenure at Heifetz, Roe expanded the institute’s scholarship support, launched its Junior Division, created its prestigious Chamber Music Seminar, and launched the Institute’s renowned multimedia efforts, including its industry-leading YouTube channel and weekly public radio program Heifetz On Air. Before joining Heifetz, Mr. Roe held senior roles at WGBH in Boston, including Managing Producer for Music and Performance, and Managing Director for Classical Services for 99.5 WCRB, where he launched several online music channels. His public radio career also includes two decades at NPR, where he served as Director of Music and Music Initiatives, and a tenure as general manager of WDAV-FM in Davidson, North Carolina. Mr. Roe has been honored with a GRAMMY, Peabody, and ASCAP-Deems Taylor award, and is the recipient of a Chairman’s Medal from the National Endowment for the Arts. He has served on the board of directors of Early Music America, as an Overseer at the New England Conservatory of Music, Mary Baldwin University, the Boston Landmarks Orchestra, and as an Artistic Advisor to NPR’sFrom the Top.
“Ben brings solid leadership skills and strategic vision,” said Scott Mason, President of Arizona Early Music’s Board of Directors. “Now in our 45th season, we look forward to working with Ben to expand partnerships and outreach throughout the state.”
“I am delighted to be joining Arizona Early Music at this pivotal point for the organization,” said Roe. “I look forward to discovering opportunities and forging partnerships across Arizona to champion historical performance and bring greater exposure and access to AEM’s stellar reputation as a presenter and curator of timeless musical expressions.”
About Arizona Early Music
Founded in 1982 by University of Arizona faculty and Tucson-area early music enthusiasts, Arizona Early Music presents an annual concert series in Tucson primarily featuring Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque repertoire performed by acclaimed specialists and rising stars in the field of historically informed performance. Co-presentations with partner organizations throughout Arizona extend AEM’s programming beyond Tucson. For more information, visit www.azearlymusic.org.
