Artist Series Concerts names new executive director

Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota has hired Keren Shani-Lifrak as its new executive director. Lifrak will start her new job May 1. She will work alongside the current executive director, Marcy Miller, until Miller retires on June 30. 

Lifrak has more than 25 years of experience in performing arts, nonprofit management, event production, marketing and development in Sarasota, New York and Tel Aviv.

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As director of marketing for IMG Artists and director of development for IMG Academy, she worked with world-renowned artists such as violinist Itzhak Perlman and the Joffrey Ballet, as well as top athletes.

Lifrak previously led Arts Day in Sarasota, an annual event that attracted 30,000 visitors and involved major arts and community organizations. Organized by the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County, it was a free event that ran for nearly two decades until 2009. 

In addition to the Arts and Cultural Alliance, Lifrak also directed events for the Sarasota Film Festival and Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.

“Keren comes to Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota with an impressive background of leadership in arts management, development and programming," said David Chivas, chairman of the group's board of trustees. "She recognizes our mission of being a champion for emerging artists and intends to continue that goal.”

The organization known as Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota was conceived in 1996 by co-founders Jerold Ross and Lee Dougherty Ross. Dedicated to promoting excellence in live musical performance, it presents about 25 concert programs a year.

Daniel Jordan, Artist Series Concerts' director of artistic planning, who is also concertmaster of the Sarasota Orchestra, said in a statement, "I am thrilled to welcome Keren as the next executive director and look forward to working with her on our 2025-26 season, which is our 30th anniversary. She brings a wealth of experience in our community and has an enthusiasm for Artist Series Concerts that I know will be infectious.”

Miller, who is retiring after six years to spend more time with her grandchildren and to travel with her husband, said she feels confident that she is leaving Artist Series Concerts in good hands. 

“From the moment I met Keren, I knew she was the perfect choice to succeed me," Miller said. "Her passion for the arts, deep experience in fundraising, and commitment to fostering musical excellence align beautifully with the mission of ASC. I look forward to seeing the organization thrive under her direction.”

“Music unites, inspires and transforms. I am energized by the opportunity to lead ASC forward while building on its rich legacy," Lifrak said in a statement.