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Renée LaBonte

Community Advancement Coordinator

Renée LaBonte brings to her position 40 years of musical experience as a concert pianist and symphony orchestra administrative director. Having gained worldwide recognition for orchestral performances and recitals in Europe, Latin America, the Orient and US, she has appeared with national symphonies on three continents as well as Hungarian Virtuosi in Budapest’s famed Vigado Theater. There, she was co-producer of Seasons of Change, a PBS arts documentary filmed on location. She is producer, musician and soloist on over 30 orchestral compact discs.

Recognized for her dynamic administrative leadership from the President and US Congress, Renée has produced musical performances throughout South Florida, including at Broward Center for the Performing Arts, plus international tours as incorporated into an annual summer cultural exchange music festival featuring foreign chamber orchestras in residence.

Recently chosen by the US Embassy to spearhead a cultural exchange project in El Salvador, “Amistad en Accion” (Friendship in Action) she incorporated US musicians over several months for one-on-one coaching on all instruments. The resulting side-by-side concerts with these professionals, featured students’ first-time exposure to American pops and Broadway. Success of this educational outreach exemplifies the remarkable difference music has with youth facing multiple challenges.

In recognition of her service to education and community, Renee is an honored inductee to the Order of St. John of Jerusalem,(Malta) — one of the oldest Orders of Chivalry in existence, dating back to the Crusades, and revered for its countless works of mercy and charity. Over 1,200 members worldwide are dedicated to all humanity in service to the sick and poor.

Renee holds a teaching degree from the St. Louis Institute of Music, studied at New York’s Manhattanville College in NY, with William Harms of Curtis Institute, and Gerald Snyder of Cleveland Institute. She served on the faculties of Florida Atlantic University and Broward College. Renee frequently reviews grants for the Florida Div. of Arts & Culture, and adjudicates for Florida State Music Teachers Assoc. She is listed in the World Who’s Who of Women, selected as “Woman of the Year” by Women in Communications and President Emeritus of Broward Cultural Foundation.

As Palm Beach Symphony’s Community Outreach Coordinator, her varied responsibilities include expansion of educational outreach and development of community partnerships.