AUSTIN, TEXAS — APRIL 28, 2016 — After a successful four-year tenure with Austin Opera, General Director Joseph Specter has resigned, effective June 30, 2016. Specter has accepted the position of President and General Director with Arizona Opera in Phoenix, Arizona.
A transition team consisting of Austin Opera board and staff members is active. Plans going forward are being addressed and will be announced in the coming days.
“I will be forever grateful to the staff and board of Austin Opera,” Specter said. “My family has loved being a part of this wonderful community, and I am so proud of what we’ve all accomplished at Austin Opera.”
Wendi Kushner, Chairman of the Board of Austin Opera, said Specter has represented the company well within the community.
“Joe Specter has been a great spokesperson for the art form and a trusted colleague,” Kushner said. “I can speak for everyone in the arts community in saying that we’ve had a lot of fun, and we will all miss Joe and his family. We wish them the best.”
“We’ve had a great run,” said Jon Nash, President of the Board of Austin Opera. “Joe shepherded this company through a crucial transitional time and we will always be grateful for his professionalism.”
Specter said he appreciates and values the time he has had in Austin and at Austin Opera.
“Kate and I will always have a special place in our hearts for Austin and Austin Opera,” Specter said. “We look forward to coming back to visit in September to see Austin Opera’s production of The Manchurian Candidate.”
About Austin Opera
Founded in May 1986 as Austin’s first professional opera company, Austin Opera has become a cultural touchstone for the fine arts community in the Central Texas region and has gained national acclaim as a producer of great opera. Austin Opera is committed to producing and promoting outstanding opera that will entertain, enrich and educate the central Texas community. Austin Opera is a cultural destination for the community that delivers an extraordinary experience; is a creative environment that challenges the misconceptions of the art form; enables lifelong learning; and celebrates the diversity that makes Austin unique. Austin Opera productions consistently garner national and international praise for production value, vocal artistry, and repertoire selection, under the leadership of General Director Joseph Specter and Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Richard Buckley. For more information about Austin Opera, please visit austinopera.org.