Mason to step down as Lyric's general director

Lyric Opera of Chicago general director William Mason announced Wednesday that he plans to retire when his current contract expires at the end of the 2011-12 season.

"I think two years from now will be the right time to turn the reins over to a new general director," said Mason in a prepared statement. "And I look forward to working with the Board on finding a successor to lead this great company."

Mason, 68, is only the third general director in the Lyric's 56-year history. Mason succeeded Ardis Krainik following her death from cancer in 1997. Mason also worked under Lyric founding general manager Carol Fox in multiple capacities.

During his tenure, Mason has overseen more than 120 productions (more than 40 of them new). He has also helped the Lyric maintain its solid financial grounding - 22 of the past 23 Lyric seasons operated in the black.

Kenneth G. Pigott, executive vice president of Lyric's Board and chairman of Lyric's production sponsorship committee, will oversee the search committee to find Mason's replacement.

"Bill Mason is the consummate opera professional," said Lyric Opera's Board President and CEO Richard P. Kiphart in a prepared statement. "The company has been fortunate to have him at the helm. This is a person who lives and breathes opera, and his institutional history is unique in the field. He also understands that fiscal integrity is absolutely essential to maintaining artistic excellence. His successor will have big shoes to fill, and we are grateful that Bill will help us with the search."