“This is an exciting time of transition and growth for the Sinfonietta,” said Robin Baxter, president of the Lake Placid Sinfonietta board of directors.

“Emily is a visionary leader with a deep appreciation for music’s power to foster community. With Emily at the helm, we are excited to build on the Sinfonietta’s rich history to shape the future of the Orchestra of the Adirondacks,” said Baxter.

A professional clarinetist with a doctorate from the Eastman School of Music, Dobmeier brings over a decade of experience in arts management, including serving for the past eight years as vice president of operations for the Luzerne Music Center. She also serves on the Eastman Community Music School’s faculty and is principal clarinetist of the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes.

“I am deeply grateful to be joining the Lake Placid Sinfonietta and honored to help carry forward the historic legacy of this orchestra,” Dobmeier said.

The orchestra traces its roots to 1917, when a small ensemble of Boston Symphony musicians began playing at the Lake Placid Club in the summer. During World War II, a group of musicians from the Rochester Philharmonic and Eastman School of Music built on those roots to form the Lake Placid Club Sinfonietta, now a community supported non-profit.

“Emily comes to the Sinfonietta with an enormous range of experience and skills; she is a perfect fit for our organization,” said Stuart Malina, who serves as music director for the chamber orchestra of twenty top orchestral musicians drawn from across the country.

“I could not be more pleased she is joining the Sinfonietta,” added Malina.

Dobmeier has long had ties to the Adirondack region, including spending summers at her family’s camp on Raquette Lake.

“Having spent a great deal of time in this region, I have a long-standing love for the Adirondacks-a place with a strong sense of community, where nature and the arts are so intertwined,” said Dobmeier.

“I look forward to working together with the incredible musicians, supporters, and board of directors to ensure a bright and lasting future for the Sinfonietta and to serve this remarkable area through inspiring and meaningful music!”

Dobmeier succeeds Deborah Fitts, who has been with the Sinfonietta since 1997.

“I’m thrilled to welcome someone as qualified as Emily Dobmeier as a successor, and I look forward to finding new ways to stay involved to keep the wonderful music the Sinfonietta creates alive in our community,” said Fitts.

Speaking on behalf of the Sinfonietta’s board, Baxter said, “All of us in the Sinfonietta community are so grateful for Debbie’s long tenure and service, and we are thankful that she will remain a part of the Sinfonietta family going forward.”

Dobmeier officially takes the helm as executive director on May 5 ahead of the Sinfonietta’s summer 2025 season.