Stephen Baker has significant experience implementing marketing, public relations, and communications strategies as well as sponsorship programs for nationally and internationally acclaimed performing arts organizations.  He has directed successful marketing, public relations and sponsorship plans at Scottsdale Arts, San Diego Symphony Orchestra, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, the Minnesota Orchestra, the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra and the world-renowned Carnegie Hall.

As Vice President of Marketing and Communications at the San Diego Symphony Orchestra, Mr. Baker created and oversaw dynamic marketing, sponsorship and media relations strategies which garnered significant exposure and sponsorship support for the orchestra’s first international tour to China which included performances in Beijing, Shanghai and its sister city, Yantai. He also implemented an aggressive marketing plan that resulted in a completely sold-out performance at Carnegie Hall of that orchestra’s debut performance there.

Mr. Baker was an institutional sales consultant for Steinway & Sons successfully promoting the All-Steinway School program to universities and colleges as well as performing arts centers in the southern California area. He also promoted the new Steinway Spirio, an advanced technological marvel, through special collaborations with Roche Bubois and Tesla.

He was chairman and a founding commissioner of the Coronado (California) Cultural Arts Commission developing a highly successful program that supported and strengthened arts education, cultural tourism and economic development for the City of Coronado.

Mr. Baker received scholarships from the Cleveland Institute of Music, Mannes College of Music, and the Manhattan School of Music and received a Bachelor’s degree from the Mannes College of Music in New York City. He has also performed as piano soloist with Academy Award-winning composers Elmer Bernstein and John Williams.

Currently, Mr. Baker is Director of Marketing & Audience Development for the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota, Florida.