Cappella Romana has announced that Founder and Music Director Alexander Lingas will transition to the role of Music Director Emeritus following the ensemble’s March 2026 concerts.

John Michael Boyer, currently Associate Music Director, has been appointed Interim Music Director for the 2026-27 season. An international search for a permanent Music Director will follow.

Per an official press release, Lingas is stepping down to concentrate on his academic work in Eastern Orthodox liturgy and music.

Lingas’ final concerts as Music Director will take place on March 6 and 7, 2026, featuring Maximilian Steinberg’s “Passion Week.”

“I gathered a group of friends under the name ‘Cappella Romana’ to offer a benefit concert in 1991 representing, in embryonic form, a vision of combining passion with scholarship to explore the musical traditions of the Christian East and West. I am deeply grateful to all the artists, staff, board members, volunteers, generous benefactors, and audiences who joined me in cultivating that vision over the last 35 years,” Lingas said per an official press release.

Cappella Romana will hold receptions around both March concerts celebrating Lingas and marking the ensemble’s 35th anniversary. In Seattle, a pre-concert reception takes place at 6:30 p.m. on March 6 at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, preceding the 7:30 PM concert. In Portland, a post-concert reception follows the March 7 concert at St. Mary’s Cathedral at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, the site of Cappella Romana’s founding in 1991.