Marble City Opera began life in 2013 and in those 11 years has crossed numerous thresholds that have defined its emergence, growth, and evolution as Knoxville’s chamber opera company. Not all thresholds, though, come with smiles and laughter. In November, 2022, the company’s beloved Managing Director, Brandon Gibson, died unexpectedly, leaving a gaping hole in the hearts of the Knoxville arts community and an empty chair at the organization’s production table.
Since that time, MCO Executive Artistic Director Kathryn Frady and company staff have had to share the operational slots that Gibson managed, knowing that eventually it would be time to fill the role of Managing Director permanently. To that end, the company has hired the well-known Knoxville media host and producer Frank Murphy. Murphy has served on the organization’s board of directors since 2020 and will continue his role as host of the East Tennessee PBS high school quiz show Tennessee Scholars’ Bowl and as host and producer of the interview show Up Close.
“I had been wanting to put someone in the Managing Director position for a while,” says Frady,”…as I definitely need some backup. But the right person had not emerged in my mind. I had been talking to Frank since February before our fundraising event …I announced at a board meeting that I was beginning a search and Frank said ‘Oh, that’s something I could do.’
“I began thinking about it and mentioned it to the staff and they got big smiles on their faces when I mentioned Frank Murphy might be interested. And, I mentioned it to the Executive Committee and they got very excited…Not only does Frank have a love for the arts but he also brings a wealth of practical experience to the position. He will assist me with community outreach, fundraising, media relations, customer service and several other duties.”
Murphy, too, seems excited about his newly assumed duties.
“Once Kathryn sent me the job description and the duties,” Murphy explains, “I realized that about 80% of the stuff I have already done in different aspects. There are some particular things that are unique to opera and Marble City that I will have a learning curve on, but that’s maybe 20%…I’ve got box office experience, press release writing experience, community engagement…
“My general career in radio was producing other people’s shows. They come up with a crazy idea and it was up to me to make it happen. So, in this case, Kathryn will have an idea—can I make it happen.”
Murphy explained the Brandon Gibson connection. “My friend Brandon Gibson was the person who first introduced me to Marble City Opera. He regularly contacted me about opportunities to interview the artists on the radio and to come see them sing at Marble City Opera performances. While no one can truly replace Brandon, I will do my best to help grow an organization that was so very near and dear to him.”
Marble City Opera is entering a very busy period of productions in which Murphy will have plenty of tasks to take on. MCO will present the world premiere of The Doctor & the Devils by Knoxville composer Jason Overall on June 6 and 8 at the Old City Performing Arts Center. Close on the heels of that production are multiple site-specific performances of Puccini’s Il Tabarro —June 13, 22, and 23.
