Sarasota Opera has announced that Stephen Baker will take over as Director of Marketing.

Baker’s career includes a stint as Director of Marketing and Audience Development for the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall as well as Associate Marketing Director of Carnegie Hall. He also worked with the Minnesota Orchestra as Vice President of Marketing and Audience Services and was Associate Executive Director of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. Baker has also held posts with the San Diego Symphony Orchestra and was the Chair and Founding Commissioner of the Coronado Cultural Arts Commission in the San Diego area.

In addition to his work as an executive, Baker studied as a pianist at Mannes College of Music and performed as a soloist with such composers as Elmer Bernstein and John Williams.

“We are lucky to have someone with Mr. Baker’s experience and expertise to join us at Sarasota Opera. His extensive knowledge of music and of our community will be of enormous benefit to the company.” Stephen added, “I am thrilled and honored to be working for the internationally acclaimed Sarasota Opera, and I look forward to collaborating with the superb team here to attain the organization’s exciting vision and build on its storied history,” Sarasota Opera’s Executive Director Richard Russell stated in a press release.