Steven T. Benson
LOS ANGELES, CA, UNITED STATES, July 23, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ – The Music Man Foundation has revealed that Curtis Stewart and Steven T. Benson have joined its Board of Directors.
Acclaimed violinist and composer Curtis Stewart, a seven-time GRAMMY® Award nominee, has been described by The New York Times as “combining omnivory and brilliance.” Performing as a solo violinist, composing, serving as artistic director of the American Composers Orchestra, teaching at The Juilliard School, and being a member of PUBLIQuartet and The Mighty Third Rail, Stewart contributes an artist’s and educator’s viewpoint to the Board.
Possessing extensive finance expertise that began with a decade on Wall Street, Steve Benson shifted his focus to the Music Center Foundation over 27 years ago. After serving as its President and CEO for the last 15 years, Benson possesses deep insight into how arts organizations can establish and expand their endowments. Steve’s work with The Music Center’s resident companies concentrated on increasing resources to deliver more arts education and broader access to performing arts. Under his leadership as president, the Music Center Foundation accumulated assets of nearly $320 million.
“Curtis and Steve’s distinct backgrounds align with the Foundation’s goals as an artist legacy foundation. We honor the legacy of Meredith Willson, creator of the Tony Award®-winning musical ‘The Music Man,’ and we manage the licensing royalties from Willson’s works to benefit community organizations,” remarked Sarah Lyding, executive director. “Even though their professional paths differ, both possess a thorough grasp of the challenges and requirements facing today’s performing arts organizations.”
“I grew up in a musical household — my father is avant-garde jazz tuba trailblazer Bob Stewart and my mother is Elektra Kurtis, a soulful Greek jazz violinist. They guided me toward discovering personal and potent connections across styles, cultures, and musical genres,” Stewart stated. “Now I strive to assist others in finding strength through music via education, musical innovation, and advocating for diversity in classical music. I’m eager to immerse myself in the work of The Music Man Foundation, which backs such a broad, vital cross-section of arts organizations — driving systemic change and upholding Meredith Willson’s legacy.”
Benson added, “Through my experience with the Music Center Foundation, I’ve seen the profound effect that occurs when arts organizations have stability and room to innovate. They can positively transform the communities where they operate. The Music Man Foundation has been a powerful player in this field, backing visionary leaders and organizations that leverage music to enhance health and wellness, along with music education — another passion of mine. I’m privileged to join the board members guiding this essential work.”
About The Music Man Foundation
The Music Man Foundation takes its name from the Tony Award®-winning musical penned by Meredith Willson. Meredith’s widow, Rosemary, established the Foundation in 1998 as The Meredith and Rosemary Willson Charitable Foundation. Today, the Foundation donates 100% of earnings from Willson’s licensing royalties to organizations that use music to spark lasting change and to extend his musical legacy. Over the past ten years, the Foundation has given more than $32 million to 90 organizations. Besides “The Music Man,” Willson wrote “It’s Beginning to Look Like Christmas” and the University of Iowa fight song. Visit https://musicmanfoundation.org for further details.
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