KANSAS CITY, MO (May 20, 2026) — Anthony Durone, president of the Lyric Opera of Kansas City Board of Trustees, announced today that Deborah Sandler Kemper, the company’s General
Director and Chief Executive Officer since 2012, will be retiring effective June 30, 2027, after 15 years of leadership.
Sandler Kemper shared, “These past 14 years have been an extraordinary journey. It has been a rare gift to serve in the company’s leadership and witness its growth, evolution, and expanding
influence on the Kansas City arts landscape. Helping to shape and mature this outstanding cultural treasure and increasing Lyric Opera’s visibility among our peers across North America has been a true privilege and an unforgettable adventure. I am deeply grateful to an extremely talented staff, artists, board members, donors, and audiences whose passion and support made this journey possible.”
Kemper Sandler joined Lyric Opera of Kansas City on July 1, 2012 as its General Director and CEO. She is the first woman to serve as general director and CEO of the Lyric Opera of Kansas City,
founded in 1958, and the third general director in the company’s history. During her tenure, Sandler Kemper has been responsible for a period of tremendous growth and a remarkable increase in the company’s artistic standards. The General Director oversees both the artistic vision, including all aspects of production planning, as well as the strategic direction and management of the company.