Revels, Inc. Names Elijah Botkin as New Music Director

(December 15, 2021 – Watertown, MA) — Revels Inc., a national cultural performing arts nonprofit, announced today that it has selected Elijah Botkin as its new music director. Botkin will ramp up over the month of December during the production of Revels’ flagship event The Christmas Revels in Harvard University’s Sanders Theatre and will start full-time with Revels in January 2022.

Botkin comes with an impressive conducting record, a passion for world music and culture, and an instinctive understanding of Revels’ mission to create musical-theatrical cultural celebrations and experiences for all ages. He was the assistant conductor of the Northeastern University Choral Society and Chamber Ensemble with Joshua Jacobson and founded and directs the Northeastern University Madrigal Singers. Botkin also worked with Chorus pro Musica as its President and also as its Board Chair, helping to keep the organization active and stable throughout the pandemic.

Botkin will be taking over from George Emlen, who served as Revels’ Music Director for decades and has been occupying the role of Interim Music Director as Revels conducted its search. “I am delighted that Elijah will be stepping in to sustain Revels’ rich music legacy,” said Emlen. “He has all the requisite skills and will greatly help to expand Revels’ community engagement with innovative programming and new initiatives.” 

“I am incredibly honored to be joining Revels at this time in its history,” said Botkin. “Being selected as Music Director for such a wonderful and storied organization is a dream come true. I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity and look forward to building on Revels’ incredible musical foundation.”

Botkin joins Revels as the organization, founded in 1971, launches a new strategic plan which seeks to broaden engagement with new audiences, expand educational programming for youth and adults, and strengthen creative collaboration and community partnerships to deliver more fully on the mission of celebrating the cultural and seasonal traditions of the world through song, dance, and story.

ABOUT REVELS
Revels engages audiences across nine U.S. cities in theatrical and musical experiences that bring the world’s cultural traditions and celebrations to life. Since its founding in 2017, nearly two million people nationwide have joined in the song and dance of Revels’ seasonal celebrations. In-person programs include the flagship production The Christmas Revels, Revels RiverSing, Spring Sing, salons, harbor cruises, and pub sings, as well as a collaborative program with the Perkins School for the Blind and innovative educational programs for children and adults. Reels offers hybrid and online programs throughout the year as part of its #RevelsConnects series, including Musical Connections, produced with the Mass Cultural Council’s Folk Arts and Tradition Program. Revels’ cast and backstage crew are a mix of professional and auditioned non-professional singers, dancers, and storytellers ranging from young children to adults. Learn more at www.revels.org.