New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Maestro Ronald J. Gretz has announced his decision to retire as the Artistic
Director of the Annapolis Opera Company, effective June 30, 2020. In the opera company's 47 years, Mr. Gretz is only the second person to serve as Artistic Director, providing artistic direction for 37 of those years.
Mr. Braxton Peters, who has served as Stage
Director for 28 years, will also step down at the end of the 2020 season.
Under the leadership of Mr. Gretz and Mr. Peters, the company has enjoyed a stellar reputation for its artistic excellence and its development of emerging artists.
Mr. Gretz expanded the company's programs by reaching into the community through its children's opera, educational lectures and community concerts. During his tenure, he was responsible for 51 opera productions, and countless other concerts and events. Mr. Gretz is currently on the faculty of the Peabody
Institute of the Johns Hopkins University.
"It has been a privilege to be the Artistic
Director and conductor of this dynamic organization, and I am happy to be retiring at a time when Annapolis Opera is continually experiencing financial and artistic growth," Mr. Gretz said. "I am so appreciative of the Board, sponsors, contributors and patrons for their faith in me and in the Annapolis Opera. I hope that my successor experiences the same joy and support that I have experienced during my tenure."
Opera President Patrick Lee, Jr. said, "Words are insufficient to express our deep gratitude for Ron's contributions to the Annapolis Opera, and the entire community. Ron brings excitement and warmth to all he does, to the delight of audiences and artists alike. Braxton is an unsung hero at the opera, but his influence and impact can be seen in every work he has touched. Ron's successor will inherit a respected cultural community asset on which he or she will continue to build. We hope you will join us as we celebrate Ron and Braxton during the upcoming 2019-2020 season."
Mr. Gretz shared his decision to retire with the Board of Trustees in the fall of 2017. The Board formed a search committee to secure Mr. Gretz's successor, selecting two candidates who will be showcased as Guest Artistic Directors in the March 2019 production of Carmen and in the November 2019 production of Tosca.
About the Annapolis Opera
The mission of Annapolis Opera is to enhance the cultural life of the region by presenting artistically excellent opera programming and educational experiences while furthering the development of emerging performing arts professionals. For more information, please visit https://annapolisopera.org/.
