08/11/2026
Welcome to The Music Man Foundation Board of Directors, Curtis Stewart and Steven T. Benson!
Seven-time GRAMMY® Award-nominated violinist and composer Curtis Stewart has been praised by The New York Times for “combining omnivory and brilliance.” As a solo violinist, composer, artistic director of the American Composers Orchestra, professor at The Juilliard School, and member of ensembles PUBLIQuartet and The Mighty Third Rail, Stewart brings an artist’s and educator’s perspective to the Board.
With a vast background in finance, starting with ten years on Wall Street, Steve Benson transitioned to his work with the Music Center Foundation more than 27 years ago. Serving as the President and CEO of the Music Center Foundation for the past 15 years, Benson has a deep understanding of how arts organizations can build and grow their endowments. Steve’s work with The Music Center resident companies focused on expanding resources in order to offer more arts education and greater access to the performing arts. During his years as president, the Music Center Foundation grew to nearly $320 million in assets.
Executive Director Sarah Lyding shares, “Curtis and Steve’s different backgrounds align with the Foundation’s interests as an artist legacy foundation. We honor the legacy of Meredith Willson, who wrote the Tony Award®-winning musical, ‘The Music Man’ and we steward the licensing royalties from Willson’s works to benefit community organizations. Despite varying professional backgrounds, both have a deep understanding of the issues and needs of performing arts organizations today.”
