Arizona Opera’s GM Accepts Minnesota Opera Position

Robert Tancer, Arizona Opera board chairman, has announced that Ryan Taylor has accepted the position of Minnesota Opera’s general director. Minnesota Opera is one of the top opera companies in the country and the organization where Taylor began his career in opera as a resident artist.

“We are thrilled for Ryan. He came to Arizona Opera at such a pivotal moment for us and successfully led the company through such a tumultuous time. His creation of the Arizona Bold artistic initiative has been a tremendous boon to the company, and we look forward to moving forward with the positive momentum he has created,” Tancer says.

Taylor took the helm of the company in April 2013, and he and members of the community and board raised more than $1 million within six short weeks. Within the next three years, he helped secure a multi-season sponsorship from Copperpoint Mutual and spearheaded the creation of Arizona Bold, a four-year, $5 million initiative to present new and innovative works relevant to Arizona communities.

“My time with Arizona Opera has been among the most productive, challenging and rewarding time that I have known in my life. Together with an engaged community; a smart, exceptionally talented staff; a generous, passionate board of directors; and an unparalleled roster of artists who have left an indelible impression on my heart, we have begun to create an arts organization that is a credit to our state, a catalyst within our cultural community, and a leader in our industry,” Taylor says. “It is a bittersweet transition for me, but I am honored and excited to join Minnesota Opera, and I am confident that Arizona Opera will thrive with new leadership because of the remarkable team it has on the ground.”

Taylor will continue to lead Arizona Opera through the 2015-16 season. Arizona Opera’s board of directors has formed a transition team and will conduct a nationwide search for his replacement.