IN memoriam

It is with great sadness that the Washington Opera Society announces the death of our Artistic Director, Dr. Robert Scott Beard who, according to his lifetime partner Alan Gibson, died suddenly on Sunday evening, 28 March 2021 at age 56. Dr. Beard had been our colleague and friend for over 30 years, most recently helping found our Company some six years ago. Scott loved working with our young singers in preparation for our performances and was an accomplished voice coach and piano accompanist and is well-remembered as a talented narrator and entertainer at many of our productions, mixing his vast knowledge of music with humor.   

Scott had more than twenty years experience in higher education at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, both in the field of music and in administration. A full professor in the Department of Music, he was Coordinator of Keyboard Studies from 1998-2011. Dr. Beard was interim Dean of Graduate studies in 2010, becoming Dean in fall 2011, at which time the title Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs was also added to the position responsibilities. This title was later changed to Associate Provost in summer 2016. He assumed the position of Provost in fall 2017.  

Among many of Scott’s awards was being named West Virginia Music Teacher of the year in 2006 of which he was so proud. His students, colleagues and friends number in the thousands and he was very well-known throughout the greater Washington area and beyond. Though our hearts are broken, we take comfort in this season of Passover and the Resurrection that Scott will enjoy everlasting life. Rest in Peace dear friend.