The artistic director of the Oregon Ballet Theatre is leaving his post at the end of the year.
Joni Kabana / Courtesy OBT
Christopher Stowell
Christopher Stowell has been with OBT for nine years. In his resignation letter to the Oregon Ballet Theatre board, he says that the board is adopting a "new business model" and that he does not see himself as the "best candidate to lead OBT into that future."
The board's statement calls Stowell's artistic leadership "superb".
Board Chair Ken Hick writes that Stowell "created a ballet company that represents our community in its highest and brightest light."
Blaine Truitt Covert / Courtesy OBT
OBT Dancer, Mia Leimkuhler, and Artistic Director Christopher Stowell at a costume fitting for Stowell's "Swan Lake."
OBT's season started in October, and Stowell will be on the job through December. That's when the company will be performing its annual holiday standard, The Nutcracker.
Oregon Art Beat/2004: Christopher Stowell at Oregon Ballet Theatre
