SCOTT GUZIELEK NAMED VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER OF THE ACADEMY OF VOCAL ARTS
May 8, 2019
SCOTT GUZIELEK NAMED VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER OF THE ACADEMY OF VOCAL ARTS
(Philadelphia, PA) – K. James McDowell, President and Artistic Director, today announced the appointment of Scott Guzielek as Vice President and General Manager of the Academy of Vocal Arts, effective July 1, 2019.
In this newly-created role, Mr. Guzielek will be responsible for the overall administrative management of the Academy of Vocal Arts (AVA). Guzielek will collaborate with President and Artistic Director K. James McDowell and AVA’s Board of Directors in order to create and execute a vision for AVA’s continued success. Guzielek will also be responsible for fostering deeper and new relationships with the community, donors, Board members, and partner organizations throughout greater Philadelphia.
Scott Guzielek has served as Director of Artistic Operations at Palm Beach Opera since 2012. At Palm Beach Opera, Guzielek was responsible for all aspects of artistic planning, casting, and repertoire selection. As an integral member of the Palm Beach Opera senior leadership team, Guzielek oversaw a budget of $2.5M annually and managed more than 200 artists, chorus, musicians, seasonal and professional staff during the Company’s season. With a keen interest in young singers, he was responsible for leading and directing the Benenson Young Artist and Bailey Apprentice Artist Programs of Palm Beach Opera. During his tenure at Palm Beach Opera, he led the expansion of these training programs from eight to eighteen singers, each coached and mentored by nationally acclaimed faculty and staff.
Prior to his appointment in Palm Beach, Mr. Guzielek was Artistic Administrator at Washington National Opera (DC) from 2006 – 2012, where he worked closely with General Director Plácido Domingo for seven seasons on more than 40 productions. Guzielek began his tenure at Washington National Opera in 2003 as Special Events Manager.
“We are thrilled to welcome Scott to the Academy of Vocal Arts,” said President and Artistic Director, Kevin McDowell. “I look forward to working with Scott in this new role at the Academy. We feel fortunate to have found Scott, who will bring an energizing combination of administrative and artistic talents to the AVA family.”
Harold F. (Rick) Pitcairn II, Chairman of the Board of Directors, said “The Board and I look forward to working closely with Scott. Not only is he a skilled leader, he is passionate about the training and support of the next generation of great operatic talent. Scott will be a vital member of the arts community in Philadelphia and we are delighted by his appointment.”
Mr. Guzielek said “It is with great enthusiasm that I will join the leadership team of AVA in this newly-created role as Vice President and General Manager. The training that AVA provides in nurturing and creating the next generation of exciting artists is a crucial part of the operatic landscape and one that I have admired throughout my career. I look forward to embarking on this exciting new opportunity to ensure that AVA continues to be an indispensable part of Philadelphia’s rich cultural offerings and institutions.”
In 2012, Mr. Guzielek was selected by OPERA America to be a member of the OPERA America Leadership Intensive cohort; he is currently Co-Chair of the Artistic Administration Network of OPERA America. Guzielek has frequently judged the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions and other competitions throughout the country, including the Giargiari Competition at the Academy of Vocal Arts.
Originally from Johnstown, New York, Mr. Guzielek received a Bachelor of Arts with honors in Vocal Performance from the State University of New York College at Geneseo and a Master of Arts with distinction in Arts Management from American University in Washington, DC. While in Washington, Scott was a baritone soloist at St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church and was a member, soloist, and Board President of the Thomas Circle Singers.