Craig Kier
Conductor
University of Maryland
Annapolis Opera
PSN History
PSN 2024
About
American Conductor Craig Kier has received high praise for his “Tesla-like intensity” and “impeccable orchestral support” while leading performances throughout the United States and on international stages. Since becoming the Director of the Maryland Opera Studio (MOS) at the University of Maryland, Kier has expanded the footprint of the program’s activities, connecting the MOS curriculum and programming to areas across campus and beyond.
In 2020, Kier was named Artistic and Music Director of Annapolis Opera where this season, he leads performances of The Magic Flute, Glory Denied, and The Elixir of Love. In 2023, he joined the College of Art and Humanities Dean’s office as Director of the Presidential initiative, Arts for All, and currently serves as Advisor for the Maryland Opera Studio.
Recent conducting highlights for Kier include productions with San Francisco Opera’s Merola Opera Program, Wolf Trap Opera, Arizona Opera, Houston Ballet, the Brevard Music Center’s Janiec Opera Company, Anchorage Opera, Indianapolis Opera, and Opera Saratoga. From 2010-2013, he was Associate Conductor at Houston Grand Opera. During his time with the company he led dozens of performances including Madama Butterfly, Il barbiere di Siviglia, Die Fledermaus, Trial by Jury and the world premiere of Huang Ruo’s Bound. Additional guest engagements for Kier include appearances with Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Atlanta Opera, Atlanta Ballet, the Glimmerglass Festival, Central City Opera, Opera Birmingham, Opera Santa Barbara, and the Royal Opera House Muscat, Oman.
Kier began his career as part of Seattle Opera’s music staff, serving in a variety of roles including Assistant Conductor, Coach/Accompanist, and Chorus Master. He also served on the music staffs of The Santa Fe Opera, Cincinnati Opera, Atlanta Opera, Opera Colorado and Des Moines Metro Opera.