After a quarter century with the Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Evan Luskin, the Lyric's general director, and previously, managing director, plans to retire in 2012.
By Laura Spencer
Kansas City, Mo. – After a quarter century with the Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Evan Luskin, the Lyric's general director, and previously, managing director, plans to retire in 2012.
During Luskin's tenure, the Lyric launched a capital campaign for a new Opera Center, including set and costume production, rehearsal space, and administration; the annual budget nearly quadrupled; and opera is now performed in its original languages.
When the Lyric announced its inaugural season at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Luskin described the new venue as a catalyst.
"We believe that the opening of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts is going to allow the Lyric Opera to produce opera on a level and on a scale that surpasses anything that Kansas City has seen in the past," said Luskin.
Luskin's retirement begins June 30th, 2012, at the end of the Lyric's first season at the Kauffman Center, which opens this fall. His retirement plans include more time with family, volunteering, taking up the piano again, and travel. A committee will conduct a national search for a new general director.
