Juneau Lyric Opera hired Sara Radke Brown as its new executive director
Prior to her appointment with JLO, Brown served as the executive director for the Juneau Symphony and the arts education director for the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council.
A native of Toppenish, Washington, Brown completed coursework for a Doctor of Music in Vocal Performance at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music where she also completed her master’s degree. She completed a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Central Washington University.
An accomplished soprano, Brown has performed operatic and musical theatre roles with regional and collegiate theatres in Washington and Indiana. Recently, Brown was the singing host for the Juneau Symphony’s music in the schools performance, a production she co-produced in collaboration with the Carnegie Hall Weill Music Institute “Link-Up” program. Other stage credits include performances with the Indianapolis Symphony Chamber Orchestra and Chorus, the Columbus Philharmonic Chorus, the Yakima Symphony, the Washington-Idaho Symphony and the Juneau Symphony Orchestra. Brown’s professional experience also includes stage management and directing.
Brown replaces long-time JLO Executive Director Frances Leach. Leach became JLO’s first executive director in 2008. During her tenure with JLO Leach was instrumental in the creation of signature JLO events such as the annual Spring Gala and the highly acclaimed “Who’s Your Diva” program, as well as appearing onstage in JLO productions including Amber in “Hairspray.” Leach will remain active with the organization as a consultant, volunteer and performer.
