Symphony Appoints Interim Director

The Ventura County Symphony Assn. has appointed an interim executive director until a permanent one can be found to take over the financially strapped organization next year.

Betsy Blanchard Chess was chosen to replace Karine Beesley, who resigned in August. Chess, a 46-year-old Ventura resident, will serve until January, symphony officials said.

“It is a demanding job, but it is an exciting job,” said Felice Ginsberg, president of the symphony association.

Chess takes over during a rocky period in the symphony’s 34-year history. The musicians, who threatened to strike last month during contract negotiations, are scheduled to perform at the new Civic Arts Plaza on Oct. 26.

Future priorities include performances of “The Nutcracker” ballet in December and preparations for the remaining five concerts of the 1994-95 season.

Chess is responsible for all day-to-day operations of the association, including ticket sales, public relations, budgets and making sure the musicians’ contracts are signed. “We looked for someone who would be very strong in a leadership role,” Ginsberg said. “Betsy just seemed a natural.”

Chess has been actively involved with the symphony since 1988. She was president of the Ventura County Symphony League for two years and is chair-elect of the Ventura County Museum of History and Art.

“It is a big job,” Chess said. “(But) we believe in what this organization is doing, and it is exciting to step in and be asked to help out.”