Pensacola Opera’s Artistic Director of 13 years, Dr. Kyle Marrero, has been named president of University of West Georgia. Dr. Marrero’s presidency of the Georgia university in Carrollton, Georgia will be effective July 1, 2013. Marrero will continue to oversee the artistic endeavors of Pensacola Opera through its 31st Season and beyond. He remains dedicated to Pensacola Opera and its continued success.
“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to continue to be involved with Pensacola Opera as part of my scholarly and creative activity. I’ve seen the company through many years and want to be a part of its continued success. Jane and I may be distant in miles but never in our commitment to the company’s artistic quality,” says Marrero.
Marrero joined Pensacola Opera in 2000 in a part-time capacity while also teaching at Louisiana State University. In 2005, he and his wife, soprano Jane Redding, moved to Pensacola full-time where he became director of the University of West Florida School of Fine and Performing Arts and chair of the UWF Music Department. In 2009, Marrero was appointed Vice President for University Advancement at UWF.
Throughout Marrero’s advancement through the university system, he has been a tireless leader for Pensacola Opera and is actively involved in the national opera scene. He has produced and directed Pensacola Opera every season since 2000 and has served as guest director at other companies including Des Moines Metro Opera, Jacksonsville Symphony, Nevada Opera, and Opera Southwest.
His leadership of Pensacola Opera extends beyond the stage. Of particular note, from 2009 to 2011, Marrero served as General and Artistic Director of Pensacola Opera. During this time, he saw the Opera through the reopening of the Saenger Theatre with a triumphant production of Verdi’s Aida.
“We are gratified that Pensacola’s talent is recognized on the national scene, and we congratulate Kyle on his appointment. It is well deserved. We are also thrilled that he remains a vital member of the Pensacola Opera family, and that he will continue to produce excellent opera for Pensacola and northwest Florida,” says Board Chair Ruth Orth.