Director of UF Performing Arts to retire after 15 years

February 3, 2015

Michael Blachly, director of University of Florida Performing Arts (UFPA), announced his retirement effective September 1, 2015. 

Since coming to UF in 2000, Blachly has been responsible for growing the performing arts program from one facility to three – with four performance spaces. Under his leadership, UF Performing Arts developed into an internationally recognized program, attracting artists such as Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, Twyla Tharp, Laurie Anderson, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Béla Fleck and others to the north Central Florida community.

He was also responsible for supporting the development of young artists and productions. During Blachly’s tenure, UFPA hosted numerous world and U.S. premieres; co-commissioned projects such as “Steel Hammer,” a piece composed by Julia Wolfe which was a Pulitzer Prize finalist; and provided extended technical time in UFPA facilities for the building of national tours for “In the Heights,” Cedar Lake Dance Ensemble and Mannheim Steamroller.

Prior to arriving in Gainesville, Blachly spent 14 years in a similar position at UCLA, and also worked as an agent and manager with Columbia Artists Management, Inc.

“After 40-plus years in the performing arts field, and having raised three sons who are now out of the home, I feel it is time to look towards new ventures. The program at UFPA is incredibly strong and I look forward to seeing where it is taken with the next director,” Blachly stated.

A search firm will be hired to help determine his successor.

For more information, please contact Crystal Sutherland at (352) 273-2483 or csutherland@performingarts.ufl.edu.