Craig Kier

Since joining the College of Arts and Humanities Dean’s Office in 2023, Kier has helped position Arts for All as a central platform for interdisciplinary research and engagement at UMD, supporting faculty, students and partners in projects that link artistic inquiry with emerging technologies and community-centered work. Under his leadership, the initiative has strengthened collaborations between the arts and all colleges while expanding opportunities for public participation in UMD’s creative life.

Previously, as director of the Maryland Opera Studio (MOS) at the University of Maryland, Kier expanded the footprint of the program’s activities, connecting the MOS curriculum and programming to areas across campus and beyond. He established an annual commissioning prize through the Maryland Opera Studio New Work Reading Series to support historically underrepresented composers and librettists and give students hands-on experience developing new works. He was also a key leader of UMD’s 2018-19 Year of Immigration, serving as artistic director for the Kurt Weill Festival, which in partnership with the Kurt Weill Foundation for Music engaged nearly every area of the School of Music through performances, curriculum and public programming.

In addition to his work at UMD, Kier is an internationally recognized conductor praised for his “Tesla-like intensity” and “impeccable orchestral support” in performances throughout the United States and abroad.

In 2020, he was named artistic and music director of the Annapolis Opera, where he continues to lead performances, programming and community engagement activities.

Additional conducting highlights 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.” Kier’s additional guest engagements 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.

Through his combined leadership in Arts for All, research-driven creative practice and international conducting performance career, Kier brings a uniquely interdisciplinary perspective. His work continues to position the arts as a vehicle for innovation and public engagement.