The Board of Directors of Ragazzi Boys Chorus has announced that Artistic and Executive Director Kent Jue will retire in August 2027.

Jue has served as a choral conductor with the San Francisco Bay Area-based organization for more than 25 years, including eight years as artistic and executive director.

During his tenure, Jue achieved three consecutive appearances at the American Choral Directors Association conferences, established the organization’s first endowment, created the Joyce B. Keil Endowment Fund for tuition assistance, and maintained consecutive budget surpluses.

“The two and a half decades I have been with Ragazzi, working with our choristers, incredible staff, and wonderfully supportive community, have brought me immense joy,” said Jue, per an official press release issued by the company. “I am so proud of our increased national and international recognition, three consecutive appearances at the American Choral Directors Association conferences, stable finances, and the creation of the Joyce B. Keil Endowment Fund for tuition assistance. I am ready to embrace the freedom to travel and explore other interests, but a part of my heart will always lie here with the vibrant singing community of Ragazzi.”

A national search for the organization’s next Artistic and Executive Director is underway. The search is being conducted in partnership with Arts Consulting Group, with the goal of identifying a new artistic director early in the 2026–2027 season to allow for an overlap transition period under Jue’s guidance.

Founded in 1987, Ragazzi Boys Chorus provides musical education and performance opportunities for boys and young men ages 5 to 18. The chorus serves more than 230 choristers drawn from over 100 schools across more than 30 Bay Area communities. The ensemble has performed with the San Francisco Opera, San Francisco Symphony, and Opera San José, among other organizations, and contributed to the San Francisco Symphony’s triple Grammy Award-winning recording of Stravinsky’s “Perséphonea.”

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