Cartagena, Colombia – As the final concert of the 2009 season was about to begin Charles Wadsworth, Founding Artistic Director of the Cartagena International Music Festival stepped to the stage of the Teatro Heredia and officially announced to the audience his imminent retirement and named pianist and current Associate Artistic Director Stephen Prutsman, as his successor. Mr. Wadsworth will continue to return to Cartagena each year in an emeritus position and as a much beloved special guest of the festival.

"I am happy for having found the perfect `adoptive father' for the festival," says Wadsworth. "The man who is standing next to me is a magnificent talented artist; I have asked Stephen Prutsman to take the leadership of the festival and he has accepted." A warm ovation followed the announcement acknowledging Wadsworth’s important contributions to the Cartagena International Music Festival from its inception.

In addition to serving at the founding artistic director of the Cartagena International Festival of Music from 2003-2009, Mr. Wadsworth founded the Spoleto Festival (Italy) and Spoleto U.S.A. (Charleston, South Carolina) and the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center (New York).

"We are grateful to Charles for his enormous expertise in creating world-class music festivals and bringing that expertise to us in Colombia," says Julia Salvi, president of the Salvi Foundation in Colombia. "He took a concept and turned it into reality – exceeding our every expectation. In three short years the Cartagena International Music Festival has already received international acclaim as one of the top music festivals in the world and the City of Cartagena has gained added recognition as a destination of great interest for international travellers. Charles Wadsworth has left his mark on the people of Colombia through his warmth and professional expertise; he has also helped to change the lives of many young musicians who came to the festival to study in masterclasses with festival artists and left inspired and motivated to dream big dreams. Their lives changed forever."

Since 2007, Stephen Prutsman has been assisting Charles Wadsworth as Associate Artistic Director of the Cartagena International Music Festival. He is widely recognized as one of the most versatile and innovating musicians of his generation. A pianist, composer and arranger, Prutsman has earned the highest recognition for his performances at the Tchaikovsky and Queen Elizabeth piano competitions, and as the recipient of a highly prized Avery Fischer Career Grant. Mr. Prutsman has performed in the most prestigious venues and with leading orchestras in the United States and Europe.

"Charles Wadsworth has solidly established the Cartagena International Music Festival as a premier venue among music festivals," says Prutsman. "I’m looking forward to continuing the tradition of excellence he created and adding my own vision to the next season. I have many ideas I would like to explore and I’m looking forward to sharing them with festival audiences next year. I am very proud to be assuming this important position and enthusiastic about the possibilities ahead."

In his speech, Wadsworth thanked the public for its support of the festival and singled out the festival team for being so supportive of his efforts. "In my entire life, I have never seen a more dedicated, hardworking team. I thank you for giving me some of the best moments of my life"

To read Charles Wadsworth’ speech visit www.cartagenamusicfestival.com

To download a copy of this press release in PDF format, click here.