The Victoria Bach Festival has selected Aaron Jakubiec as its new executive director following a three-month national search, bringing an experienced arts administrator and professional musician to lead the organization into its next chapter.
Jakubiec will work alongside Artistic Director Alejandro Hernandez-Valdez to guide the Festival’s operations, fundraising, community partnerships and programming while supporting its mission of bringing exceptional musical experiences to Victoria and South Texas.
With more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit arts administration, fundraising, executive leadership support and festival operations, Jakubiec has built a career focused on advancing the performing arts through strategic leadership, collaboration and community engagement.
At the Entertainment Community Fund in New York City and Chicago, his work encompassed project management, advancement, and administration, including seven years supporting its Board of Directors. His festival experience includes stage operations and artist relations at the Sitka Music Festival, box office management at Bridgehampton Chamber Music, and orchestra and music operations management at The Glimmerglass Festival.
A professional oboist by training, Jakubiec holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign. He previously taught music at the college level and
toured nationally and internationally with Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. He has a particular love of Baroque music. His background as a performer and arts administrator gives him a firsthand understanding of the artistic and operational work that brings performances to life.
“I am inspired by the Victoria Bach Festival’s commitment to artistic excellence, education, and community impact,” said Jakubiec. “I believe successful nonprofit leadership begins with
relationships, and I look forward to getting to know the Victoria community, supporting the Festival’s artists, and connecting more people with the joy of live music.”
Victoria Bach Festival Board President Simon McCloud said Jakubiec’s combination of professional arts experience, musical knowledge and collaborative approach made him an
excellent fit for the organization.
“Aaron brings an impressive depth of experience, but just as importantly, he brings a genuine passion for music and for connecting people through the arts,” McCloud said. “We are excited to welcome him to Victoria and look forward to the energy and perspective he will bring to the Festival as we build on 50 years of bringing extraordinary music to our community.”
The selection followed an extensive national search led by a committee coordinated by board members John Griffin and Ron Walker. The committee reviewed candidates from across the
country before recommending Jakubiec to the board.
Walker, who served as co-chair of the selection committee, said the search focused on finding a leader who could build upon the Festival’s strong foundation while helping it grow.
“We were looking for someone who understood both the artistic and business sides of a nonprofit arts organization and who could build meaningful relationships within the community,” Walker said. “Aaron’s experience, musical background and collaborative leadership style stood out throughout the process. We believe he is the right person to help lead the Victoria Bach Festival into its next chapter.”
Jakubiec succeeds Buck Moore, who served as executive director for five Festival seasons.
The Victoria Bach Festival celebrated its 50th anniversary season in 2025 and continues to bring world-class music to Victoria and the surrounding South Texas region. Under the artistic
leadership of Hernandez-Valdez, the Festival presents orchestral, choral and chamber works by J.S. Bach and composers from across the musical tradition.