Craig Kier currently serves as Artistic and Music Director of Annapolis Opera where he leads performances and oversees all programming activities. He is also Professor of Music at the University of Maryland and Executive Director of the Presidential arts initiative, Arts for All, that expands opportunities for participation in the University’s creative life. Previously, he served as

Director of the Maryland Opera Studio (MOS) and now serves as an advisor to MOS. Kier is an internationally recognized conductor with performances throughout the United States and abroad. Conducting highlights include productions with San Francisco Opera’s Merola Opera Program, Wolf Trap Opera, Arizona Opera, Houston Ballet, Atlanta Opera, and Houston Grand Opera.

He was previously Associate Conductor at Houston Grand Opera where he led dozens of performances and served on the music staffs of Santa Fe Opera, Seattle Opera, and Des Moines Metro Opera. Additional guest conducting engagements include appearances with Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Atlanta Ballet, the Glimmerglass Festival, Central City Opera, Opera Santa Barbara, the Estates Theatre in Prague, and the Royal Opera House Muscat, Oman.