OPERA PACIFIC APPOINTS ROBERT C. JONES
AS PRESIDENT & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR


Santa Ana, CA – Patrick Seaver, Chairman of the Board and Chairman of the Search Committee, has announced the appointment of Robert Jones as President & Executive Director of Opera Pacific, effective December 1, 2004. Robert Jones succeeds Martin Hubbard, who has held the positions since 1998 and is now assuming the post of Chairman of Opera Pacific’s Board of Directors.

In making the announcement, Mr. Seaver stated, “Speaking for the Board of Directors, I am pleased to welcome Bob Jones to Opera Pacific. He comes to us with a reputation for excellence in presenting and a strong record of accomplishment in audience development, education and fundraising. We look forward to his leadership in continuing to achieve Opera Pacific’s mission in the years ahead.”

Mr. Hubbard also expressed enthusiasm for his arrival and said, “I am very excited that Bob will be assuming my position with the company. His knowledge, skills and experience in both music and business will allow us to continue to grow, not only in musical excellence, but in service to audiences throughout the community.”

Mr. Jones served as President of the National Symphony Orchestra and Vice President, Music of The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts from 1998 to 2001. There, he is recognized for his leadership in board development, labor relations, increased financial stability with economic growth, the reinstatement of the national broadcast series, the orchestra’s first tour to China and securing a major gift sponsorship for a European Tour. His team was responsible for the successful implementation of an extensive education and outreach program developed with the Kennedy Center Education Department, and with Music Director Leonard Slatkin, launched the National Conducting Institute. His responsibilities included the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra, which was the orchestra for the Washington National Opera.

He previously served as President of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra from 1983 until 1998, providing leadership for projects that included growing the endowment fund from $9 to $94 million, creating the ISO Foundation, Inc. and obtaining a $10 million gift to name the Hilbert Circle Theatre concert hall. He pioneered the concept of multiple lines of business to broaden community attendance and support for a symphony orchestra. Mr. Jones also served for five years as the V.P. & General Manager of the Minnesota Orchestra and Orchestra Hall (formerly the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra) and was previously an Executive Officer of the American Federation of Musicians of the U.S. and Canada.

Though Mr. Jones retired from symphony orchestra management in 2001, he continued to work with cultural organizations via board memberships, consulting engagements and advisory roles. “I have followed, with great admiration, the dynamic growth of the performing arts in Orange County ever since the opening of the extraordinary Performing Arts Center some years ago. Like the rest of the arts world, I have seen the excellent artistic reputation of Opera Pacific blossom under the inspiration and baton of John DeMain. I am excited to have the opportunity to serve this essential regional institution, help position it as a force in the opera world and follow in the distinguished footsteps of Martin Hubbard,” said Jones. “I’m thrilled to be coming to Orange County and being part of this wonderful community. I look forward to working with Martin, John, the Board, musicians and staff to bring more of this uniquely multimedia cultural form to Southern California, and more of Southern California to us!”

The appointment of Mr. Jones marks the successful conclusion of a national search that began six months ago when Martin Hubbard announced his plans to step down and serve as Chairman instead. On behalf of the Search Committee, Chairman Patrick Seaver said, “We set out to find the best possible person to lead Opera Pacific for the future, and we are delighted to report our success. We welcome Bob Jones and look forward to having his vision, enthusiasm and energy to guide us as we move forward.”

Artistic Director John DeMain said, “I am pleased that my friend and colleague, Martin Hubbard, will remain as the company’s Chairman. I also very much look forward to working with Bob Jones in the months and years ahead. His background as a musician, together with his experience in orchestra administration, makes him the ideal partner for us. We will welcome him warmly.”

Mr. Jones was a professional musician and music teacher in Portland, Oregon until 1980. In addition to his varied musical career as a multi-woodwind teacher and performer (orchestra, opera, chamber music, musical theater and recitals), Mr. Jones studied at Portland State University (B.S. Economics) and Northwestern College of Law at Lewis & Clark College.

Bob and his wife of 38 years, Susan, will be relocating to Orange County from the Washington D.C. area. Susan is also an accomplished musician, having been an orchestral and opera clarinetist for many years in addition to being an excellent pianist. Their families, most of whom reside in California and Oregon, are pleased to see them return to the West Coast.

Mr. Jones will become the fourth executive director in Opera Pacific’s 20-year history at the Orange County Performing Arts Center. As one of the largest opera companies in the country, Opera Pacific provides audiences with a broad repertoire of productions, as well as a variety of outreach initiatives and education programs. One of Orange County’s artistic partners, Opera Pacific is committed to artistic excellence, creativity and innovation in programming and performance.