Long Beach Opera has named Marjorie Beale as its President of the Board of Directors. She started her tenure on June 28, 2023.

She will take over for Dr. Robert N. Braun who held the position since 2016.

Beale joined the board of directors in December 2021 and also previously served from 1997-2003. Per an official press statement, “Beale’s track record as a successful fundraiser will support LBO through the next period of growth and change as the company emerges from the pandemic with new leadership and an eye toward its 50th anniversary in 2029. This appointment also marks the first time in the company’s history that the organization will be co-led by two women.”

Regarding her appointment, Beale noted, “I’m delighted to take up the role of Board President at this moment — Long Beach Opera is poised to make operatic history as we explore new venues, new performers, and new genres thanks to an exceptional partnership between our Artistic Director & CCO, James Darrah, and our Music Director, Christopher Rountree. I also look forward to collaborating with our General Director & CEO, Jennifer Rivera, to build on our recent successes and launch LBO into a period of sustained growth. Our Board of Directors is hard at work to strengthen LBO as a place where emerging talents can launch their careers, and where more established artists can experiment in a setting that prizes creative risk-taking. Where others see risk, we see opportunity — and we invite everyone to join us as we explore the myriad possibilities contained in the operatic form.”

In addition to her work with Long Beach Opera, Beale, a Harvard / MIT / UC Berkley / Institut d’Etudes Politiques graduate, is also on the Board of Governors with Ojai Music Festival and has worked as an independent consultant.