Austin Lyric Opera

Joseph Specter

After months of searching coast to coast for a new general director, Austin Lyric Opera finally found its top man at the top of the operatic food chain: the Metropolitan Opera. Joseph Specter, who joins ALO officially on April 16, has spent a year and a half as the Met's director of institutional relations. He brings with him additional experience as an administrator – three years of working with institutional investors at Lord Abbett and Co. – and a deep history in opera. He trained to sing professionally, earning diplomas from the New England Conservatory of Music and the Academy of Vocal Arts, and had a busy career as a baritone for eight years with roles in more than 20 opera and musical-theatre productions across the U.S. Specter transitioned out of the arts and into business about the time he and his wife, Kate Kinhan – a professional soprano – started a family. They have two daughters, a 4-year-old and a 9-month-old. As Specter moves his family to Austin and settles into his new job, interim General Director Kevin Smith, who's been managing ALO through the 25th anniversary season, will serve as adviser and consultant. Welcome to the Specters. For more information, visit. www.austinlyricopera.org.