Arkansas’ Opera in the Rock has announced that Fred Owens will be its Interim CEO.

He will take over for Executive and Artistic Director Kate Sain who is leaving the position to pursue other opportunities.

“All arts organizations have experienced a blow to their very existence, here and around the world. Opera in the Rock has found that central Arkansas is hungry for the return of in-person performances and the arts in general. I have been at the helm of this organization for a month. Opera in the Rock is in the beginning of a listening mode to determine what the modern Arkansans want from the performing arts,” Owens told OperaWire via email. “Let’s talk opera! We will craft our vision for the future of Opera in the Rock based on the extensive listening process that will involve all stakeholders.”

Sain held the position for the last four years and three seasons.

Opera in the Rock is the only opera company in Arkansas to be a member of OPERA America. The company’s upcoming 2021-22 season includes a production of “A Little Night Music” in February followed by “Anna Bolena” led by conductor Geoffrey Robson and the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra.