Allan E. Naplan Appointed as Executive Director of Arizona Musicfest

Ann Wallenmeyer, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Arizona Musicfest, today announced the appointment of Allan E. Naplan as Executive Director, effective February 1, 2013. Allan Naplan has enjoyed a twenty-year career as a performing artist, composer, educator and arts administrator. Most recently, he served as President and General Director of Minnesota Opera.

In making the announcement, Wallenmeyer said, "Speaking for the Board and our Artistic Director, Robert Moody, I am delighted that Allan Naplan will join Arizona Musicfest as our Executive Director. We are especially pleased that he will be able to be a part of our 2013 Festival and we look forward to introducing him to our patrons, partners, and audiences throughout the community."

Wallenmeyer thanked the members of the Arizona Musicfest Search Committee, led by Chuck Goldthwaite, former Chairman of the Board, for the excellent outcome of a national search.

Robert Moody, Artistic Director of Arizona Musicfest, added, "I am thrilled that Allan Naplan is joining the Arizona Musicfest team as our new Executive Director. I've spent a good deal of time with him during the search process, and as a result I can't wait to begin 'scheming' with him as we plan the next great chapter of the Festival. The future is incredibly bright for Arizona Musicfest with Allan Naplan at the administrative helm."

In accepting the position, Allan Naplan said, "I am honored to have been chosen to lead Arizona Musicfest and am excited by the breadth of musical experiences the Festival offers, as well as the excellence it achieves through its acclaimed performances and important Education and youth programs."Naplan continued, "I look forward to forging important relationships with the Festival's audience, dedicated volunteers and the community at large, as well as to working with the Arizona Musicfest Board, staff, artists and especially Maestro Moody in developing and enhancing the Festival."

Arizona Musicfest 2013 (January 28 - March 4) presents top artists of classical, chamber, jazz, blues, country, rock n' roll and opera, such as Denyce Graves, Keb' Mo' and Parker Quartet, in exceptional programs (created especially for Arizona Musicfest) at venues throughout the scenic desert foothills of Scottsdale and Carefree. At the heart of the Festival is the 60-member Arizona Musicfest Orchestra, comprised of musicians from the nation's finest orchestras, 100-voice Arizona Musicfest Chorus, and the Arizona Musicfest Chamber Players.

Allan Naplan began his career as an opera singer and transitioned to administration as a member of the staff of Houston Grand Opera. He served as Director of Artistic Administration of Pittsburgh Opera before being appointed General Director of Madison Opera, where he transformed the company through his leadership in fundraising, audience development, and financial management as well as repertoire and productions, educational programs, and community engagement.

At Minnesota Opera, Naplan enhanced the company's community engagement and Education activities, oversaw major gift cultivation, and introduced enhancements to the company's marketing and public profile. During his time with the company, the organization produced the world premiere of the Pulitzer Prize-winning opera by Kevin Puts, Silent Night.

As a published composer, Naplan's works, which are standard repertoire for children's choirs, have been performed and recorded in over forty countries, and have been featured at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, the White House, and aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia.

Allan Naplan has a Bachelor of Music Degree from Ithaca College where he majored in vocal performance and music education. He and his wife Christina Harrop have two young sons, Jonah (age 4) and Elliot (age 2).