Arts administrator Bob McPhee passed away on March 13, 2021, following a long battle with cancer.

Born in 1956, McPhee graduated from the University of Manitoba and began his career as a baritone, perfoming in theatre, opera, radio, and television. After studying arts administration at Stanford University, McPhee served as artistic director and conductor for choral groups, and taught private lessons. He has held leading positions with companies such as the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Orchestra London, the Edmonton Symphony, and Edmonton Concert Hall, among others.

In 1998, McPhee joined Calgary Opera as general director and CEO. During his 19-year tenure, the company commissioned eight new works, presented numerous Canadian premieres of existing operas, and launched Canada’s first outdoor opera festival, Opera in the Village.

Over his career, McPhee was recognized for his achievements, earning awards from the Order of Canada, the Opera Canada Lifetime Achievement Award, as well as an honorary degree as Doctor of Laws from the University of Calgary.

“For Bob, the opera was a labor of love. And he was incredibly generous with his time and his affection and his knowledge of the art form,” said Jacqueline Pyke, the current chair of the Calgary Opera board of directors, in a statement.“He knew so many people. He remembered people, whether it was your first time or you’re a diehard, longtime mainstage opera fan and you wanted to get into the nitty-gritty details of some of the works and performances, he was happy to discuss it with you. He was every man’s general director. He was just so wonderful, warm, incredible. We just loved him.”