Opera Steamboat Names Andres Cladera General and Artistic Director
07/02/2020 02:36PM ● By Opera Steamboat
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO (July 1, 2020)—Jenny Maxwell, Board Chair of Opera Steamboat’s Board of Trustees, and Melissa Hampton, Board Vice-Chair, today announced that Andres Cladera has been named General and Artistic Director of the opera nonprofit company. Cladera’s tenure begins July 1, 2020.
A respected arts administrator and conductor with more than 20 years of industry experience, Cladera has been serving as Artistic Director of Opera Steamboat for over five years. Having joined the company in 2015, Cladera brings to his new role a successful track record of innovative and collaborative leadership, a passion for the art form, and a deep respect for Opera Steamboat and the Steamboat Springs community. As General and Artistic Director, he will lead all aspects of the opera company’s operations, includingartistic and production management; financial management; fundraising; marketing; education; community engagement; and equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Cladera’s appointment comes at an exciting moment for Opera Steamboat, which celebrates its first National Endowment for the Arts Awards and its first National Endowment for the Arts Cares Act funding. The opera company has earned a reputation as a leader in the industry for its exceptional artistic achievements, its commitment to inclusion and community engagement, and its fiscal health.
Said Cladera, “I am thrilled to accept this new position with a company I cherish so much. Over the past five years, this organization has become a true passion of mine. I am proud of what we have already accomplished, and I am inspired by the potential I see for our future.”
Said Maxwell, "Having had the privilege of working closely with Andres since I joined the Opera Steamboat Board of Trustees three years ago, I am thrilled for both Andres and our organization to be welcoming him to his new role as General and Artistic Director. Given his significant contributions to the organization in his previous role, I am confident that Opera Steamboat will continue to blossom with his visionary artistic and management talent in his new role."
Said Hampton, "I see this promotion to General and Artistic Director as a big win for Opera Steamboat. Andres has a deep knowledge of the organization plus the vision and leadership skills to take us to the next level. I am excited about our future and know Andres’ energy and enthusiasm will be an inspiration for our community as well as our organization.”
Cladera will work closely with the Opera Steamboat Board of Trustees, to advance the company’s artistic vision, contribution to the community, and leadership in the opera industry.
About Andres Cladera
Uruguayan American conductor Andres Cladera, General and Artistic Director of Opera Steamboat, is a versatile and cultivated artist in both the operatic and symphonic worlds.
He has prior conducting experience with Opera San Antonio, Opera Colorado, Carnegie Mellon Philharmonic, Opera Theater of Pittsburgh, Edgewood Symphony, Emerald City Opera, Chatham Baroque and San Antonio Symphony. Mo. Cladera holds a Master of Music degree from Carnegie Mellon University and Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in Piano and Voice Performance from College of Charleston.
Cladera was awarded the Outstanding Young Conductor of the year by the Association of Choral Directors of America, as well as first place in several international piano competitions including: Luis Troccoli International Piano Competition, Luis Cluzeau Mortet Piano Competition, as well as the Young Artist Encouragement Award from the Metropolitan Opera House.
Upcoming engagements include Frida with Portland Opera.
Mtro. Cladera is represented by Insignia Artists.
About Opera Steamboat
Located in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Opera Steamboat was founded in 2002 as a nonprofit corporation with a vision to bring world-class opera production to Steamboat Springs.
We continue our founding tradition by promoting opera and the vocal arts in Northwest Colorado, through educational and musical opportunities in collaboration with world-class artists. We invite you to discover all that Opera Steamboat has to offer: www.operasteamboat.org