Chang-Barnes announced in new role as interim artistic director

After touring Europe in May and June as a Fulbright Scholar, Ann Chang-Barnes, interim executive director of the Lied Center for Performing Arts at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, has decided to return to a more regular schedule of performing as a concert pianist and teaching music, and will transition to a half-time position as interim artistic director, UNL Chancellor Harvey Perlman announced today.

In this capacity as interim artistic director, Chang-Barnes will provide leadership in the Lied Center's many arts programs and will fulfill the commitment that she made in May 2008 to serve two years as an administrator at the Lied.

Perlman said the arrangement permits Chang-Barnes to return to active service as part of the UNL School of Music faculty and dedicate more time to her artistic endeavors.

"I am looking forward to spending more time on my career as an artist and educator while I continue to play a role at the Lied Center for Performing Arts," Chang-Barnes said.

Chang-Barnes was appointed by Perlman on May 16, 2008, to be full-time interim executive director of the Lied Center following the retirement of the previous director, Charles H. Bethea.

The Lied Center's associate executive director, Bill Stephan, will step into the role of interim executive director and will be responsible for all administrative responsibilities. Stephan joined the Lied Center staff this past winter following a national search. He had been the director of the Nampa Civic Center in Idaho for the past 10 years. Stephan has a solid arts and facility management background with a track record of meeting financial objectives, expanding cultural programs and providing strong leadership. He is also an accomplished singer and performer. Stephan is a graduate of Boise State University with a degree in business and music. Under Stephan's management, the Civic Center experienced 100 percent growth in auditorium events and 28 percent growth in total events. Prior to the Civic Center, Stephan was the managing director at Idaho Dance Theatre for three years and served as the marketing, sales and development assistant at Boise Philharmonic.

Stephan and Chang-Barnes will continue to work together as the Lied enters its 20th year as the premier performing arts venue in Nebraska.

"I am very excited to take on greater responsibility at the Lied and will focus on enhancing the Lied's ability to serve our community with great performances and civic engagement," Stephan said. "We have a dynamic season coming up with something for everyone at the Lied."