April 10, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Portland, Ore. … William A. Ryberg, President of the Oregon Symphony since March of 2004, will leave the Symphony on June 30 to become the General Director of Florida’s Palm Beach Opera. A search for his successor is underway.
Leading an opera company has been Ryberg’s professional dream, he said Monday. Although the decision to leave Oregon was difficult, he said, executive positions at major opera companies open rarely and he felt compelled to fulfill his dream.
“I am leaving because an opportunity has come to me to rekindle my love of opera and my passion for singing and singers,” said Ryberg, a trained singer. While the Symphony regrets losing Ryberg, said Board Chair Maria Pope, everyone understands his strong desire to return to his opera roots.
“We have achieved much in the two years Bill has been with us,” said Pope. “With his help we now have the roadmap for success firmly in place at the Oregon Symphony. The donor base is growing steadily due to the Miller Foundation challenge grant; under Music Director Carlos Kalmar’s leadership the orchestra has never sounded better; ticket sales for this season will finish ahead of last year; and the 06-07 subscription campaign is off to a great start.
“We have a deeply experienced professional leadership team in place and, with the full support of the board, will ensure that the artistic and financial momentum continues during this transition,” she added. “The Oregon Symphony has had many great leaders during its 110-year history.”
Foundation Board member Jack Wilborn and Association Board Secretary Jim Dulcich will serve as co-chairs of the search for Ryberg’s successor. They have already secured a search firm and are currently recruiting members of the search committee, which will begin its work immediately. Longtime Symphony supporters Ned Hayes and Lynn Loacker have agreed to serve on the committee. The goal is to have a new president in place by early fall, said Pope.
“I cannot express my sincere thanks to the musicians, board, staff and volunteers for making this work experience here in Portland such a rewarding, challenging and exciting responsibility,” said Ryberg. “I have taken great pride in representing this wonderful institution for the past two years. I shall be forever most grateful for having had this opportunity.”
“We are extremely pleased that our thorough national search has brought us an exceptional new General Director,” said James W. Beasley, Jr., chair of the Palm Beach Opera Board of Directors. “Bill Ryberg has a deep background in classical music and opera, combined with extensive managerial experience. I am confident that he will lead Palm Beach Opera to a highly successful future.”
