BARBARA FAULKNER
Former Executive Director of the Mendocino Music Festival, pianist and piano teacher, ACSO donor

ACSO is excited to shine the spotlight Barbara Faulkner, recently retired as Executive Director of the Mendocino Music Festival. The interview was conducted by Alessandra Aquilanti, ACSO Board member and Development Director at Music@Menlo.

What is your background in the arts?
I'm a pianist/piano teacher; lover of live classical music, especially orchestral; recently retired (end of December) Executive Director of the Mendocino Music Festival; and a supporter of music in my community.

Is there an organization that you are particularly engaged with?
The Mendocino Music Festival has taken all my time these past ten years. So far I haven’t gotten involved with any other organizations. I’m glad to garden, spend time with friends, play the piano, and teach a few students.

What led you to donate to ACSO?
ACSO has been, and still is, an enormous help to the Mendocino Music Festival. The peer forums are tremendously valuable, and I appreciate the tremendous advocacy work that ACSO does. I love the warm, supportive atmosphere of ACSO, as well as the detailed, intelligent work towards keeping the world of orchestral music vital and relevant. I think Sarah Weber is doing a remarkable job as Executive Director.

How has music changed your life?
Music brought me out of my shell as a child and adolescent, has sustained me through life’s darkest times, makes me a better version of who I am. It’s a kind of food. Sometimes when hearing a piece for the first time I feel like it has provided a micro-nutrient I hadn’t known I’d needed. I feel literally rearranged on a cellular and spiritual level.

 You can see a full list of all our 2023-24 donors here. Thank you for supporting ACSO!You can see a full list of all our 2023-24 donors here.