Heartbeat Opera has announced the departure of Co-Founder and Artistic Director Ethan Heard.

In an official statement, the company revealed that Heard, who will depart the New York based company on June 30, 2022, is set to be the Associate Artistic Director of Signature Theatre in DC where he will commence on August 1, 2022.

Throughout his career with Heartbeat Opera, Heard staged unique new productions and adaptations of such works as “Butterfly,” “Fidelio,” and “Kafka-Fragments.”

“”Leading Heartbeat has been one of my life’s greatest joys. I am deeply proud of the work we’ve created, the community we’re building, and the meaningful impact we’re making on our artists and audiences,” Heard said in an official press statement. “I offer profound thanks to my beloved Heartbeat collaborators, board members, and supporters, who champion our mission and continue to contribute so much to our company’s success. I am sad to step away from Heartbeat, which has been my artistic home and family for the last eight years, but I look forward to staying involved on the board and watching Heartbeat continue to evolve and flourish.”

Heartbeat Opera noted that it will be seeking out new leadership in the coming months.