Photo courtesy of Long Beach Opera.

Dr. Robert Braun has been selected as president of the Long Beach Opera (LBO) Board of Directors, the LBO announced this week. Braun succeeds Sue Bienkowski, a long-time board president of 12 years.

Braun has been on the board for the past five years, serving as chair on the development committee and as a member of the executive committee, according to the release.

“Robert Braun has been a passionate supporter of music, especially opera, and of the arts in Long Beach through his leadership on the board of MOLAA,” stated LBO Artistic and General Director Andreas Mitisek. “Robert combines an artist’s soul with a sound business focus and we are fortunate to have his leadership for LBO.”

“I am honored that my colleagues have selected me to serve as president,” said Braun in a statement. “I may be taking over the presidency, but I can never fill Sue Bienkowski’s shoes. Without her dedicated leadership and passionate support, LBO would not have reached this success. I look forward to working with my fellow directors and all of you who love LBO to help grow our organization’s scope and resources in support of this incredible and ‘unexpected’ company and the clear and powerful vision of Mitisek and his fellow artists.”

Mitisek also lauded the leadership of Bienkowski, stating that as LBO has grown in size and receipt of recognition, her commitment and passion for the opera has been a tremendous boon.

“She is the rare person who combines passion for music with sound business acumen and a fantastic commitment to providing opportunity for great art,” stated Mitisek. “After twelve years as president, we are fortunate Sue will remain on the board as treasurer.”

“It has been a great pleasure to work with Andreas and my fellow board members to help LBO grow into the internationally-known organization it is today,” stated Bienkowski. “LBO is a treasure for the opera world and for our region and I’m very glad to continue to be part of the board as we journey to the next level of growth.”

For more information about Long Beach Opera and its 2017 season, visit the website here.