Our History

In the 1970s and 80s the St. Mary's Church, now home to the Indian River festival, was in serious disrepair and at that time suggestions were made that the Church be torn down as the renovations were too expensive for the parish alone to undertake. The "Save St. Mary's" campaign launched in 1987 saw an overwhelming response from area churches, businesses, individuals, families and groups which allowed the campaign to succeed, with renovations complete and paid for by the end of that decade. One of the campaign initiatives was the Sundays in the Summer' concert series, and although these concerts brought in revenue for the Church the volunteer core was being stretched to the limit. It was also determined that there had to be more focus to the project to evolve into a separate entity as an event.

Consequently, in 1996 the Indian River Festival Association Inc. was formed as an incorporated non profit body for the presentation of fine music appropriate to the Church and to aid in the continuing upkeep and restoration of St. Mary's Church.

The Board & Staff 2008

Artistic Director
Robert Kortgaard

Board of Directors and Festival Organizers
Chair - René Hurtubise
Treasurer - Derek Huestis

Directors
Mark Ramsay
Rebecca Rogers
Senator Libbe Hubley
Elaine Rabinowitz
John Drinkwater
Susan Ashley

Staff Members
Executive Director - Katy Baker
Office Manager - Jana Peters
Concert Manager - Diane Moxness
Box Office - Andrea Ellis (summer only)