The San Francisco Opera Center has announced that Sheri Greenawald is set to retire at the close of 2020.

She has been the director of the Opera Center since 2002. Prior to that, she had a career as a soprano for over 30 years, singing leading roles with such companies as the Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Venice’s La Fenice, Munich’s Bavarian State Opera, Paris’ Châtelet Theater, Welsh National Opera, Seattle Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Netherlands Opera, Santa Fe Opera, LA Opera, Naples’ Teatro San Carlos and Opera Theatre of St. Louis.

“Through her storied career onstage and in her work with young artists, Sheri has always seen opera as an art form open to all. She articulates the artistry of singing in wonderfully tangible concepts that can connect with both singers and audiences,” San Francisco Opera Tad and Dianne Taube General Director Matthew Shilvock stated in a press release. “Sheri unlocks doors that can uplift singers in transformative ways. She has nurtured the careers of more than 500 artists over her two decades directing the Adler and Merola programs, and the legacy that she leaves is unique and extraordinary.

“All of us at San Francisco Opera will miss Sheri dearly and wish her happiness and success as she turns the page to a new chapter.”

Greenawald will be honored in the Merola 2020 Spring Benefit Gala slated for April 25, 2020.