(Above: Kari Welch, new executive director at Eugene Opera; photo courtesy of Eugene Opera)
Edited by Randi Bjornstad
Eugene Opera has named longtime Eugene resident and local arts administrator Kari Welch as their new Executive Director.
Welch holds a bachelor’s degree in theater and dance from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and a graduate certificate in nonprofit management from the University of Oregon. She has worked with a variety of nonprofit organizations in Eugene, including Lane Arts Council, Wellsprings Friends School, and The Very Little Theatre.
“It’s always been my dream to guide a performing arts company,” Welch said. “I am deeply honored to join the Eugene Opera family and am eager to leverage my skills in advancing this exceptional organization as it approaches its 50th anniversary.”
Welch also is a seasoned actor and director, having participated in Eugene’s theater community for more than a decade. Her acting credits include performances at Oregon Contemporary Theatre, including titles such as Predictor; Hand to God; At Home at the Zoo; Middletown; and Thanksgiving Play. Her forays as director include productions such as The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane at Cottage Theatre and Little Women the Musical and Harvey at the Very Little Theatre.
Ashley Hastings, president of the Eugene Opera’s board of directors of Directors, expresses his optimism about the future of Eugene Opera under Welch’s leadership.
“Her knowledge, experience, skills, and energy are just what we need to move the Company forward,” Hastings said.
Eugene Opera dates to 1977, following a successful production in 1976 if George Bizet’s Carmen, which he had written 102 years earlier, in 1875. The sold-out reception of Carmen signaled the probable viability of establishing a full-time resident opera company in Eugene. In the intervening years, Eugene Opera has produced many professional level operas, attracting national and international opera stars to Eugene area stages, along with many highly trained local vocalists and musicians.
Andrew Bisantz, longtime director and conductor of Eugene Opera, will continue in his role, which he conducts in part by long distance from the Boston Conservatory at Berklee (Massachusetts), where he is principal opera conductor and coach for the opera studio. His career has included more than 85 opera productions with major opera organizations throughout the United States.
“I’m thrilled that Kari (Welch) is joining us as our new executive director,” Bisantz said. “Her vast experience in the arts, including a stellar track record as an executive leader and fundraiser, gives all of us great confidence for a strong future for Eugene Opera. We are already hard at work putting together an exciting 48th season, and discussing our vision for the seasons beyond.”
News about the Eugene opera organization and its approaching season is online at eugeneopera.org.
