ANNAPOLIS, MD (CelebrityAccess) — Ronald J. Gretz, the longtime artistic director of the Annapolis Opera Company, announced plans to retire after 37 years.
Mr. Gretz shared his decision to retire with the Board of Trustees in the fall of 2017 and will step down from his post officially on June 30th, 2020.
In the opera company’s 47 years, Mr. Gretz is only the second person to serve as Artistic Director. During his tenure at the head of the organization, he oversaw 51 opera productions, and numerous concerts and events.
The Board formed a search committee to identify a new artistic director and has selected 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.
“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.”
Also announcing a retirement from the opera company is Braxton Peters, who served as stage director with the company for 28 years. Braxton also announced he will step down at the end of the 2020 season.
“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.”
