Ryberg, a 48-year-old Seattle native, has been president of the Oregon Symphony for the past two years. During his tenure he oversaw a $14.5 million budget and led a fundraising initiative that resulted in a 70 percent increase in the orchestra's annual fund. Previously, during a six-year tenure as president of the Grand Rapids Symphony, he increased that orchestra's budget from $4.9 million to more than $7 million.

Ryberg graduated from Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washingto,n in 1980 and earned his masters of music degree in vocal performance from Indiana University in 1983, where he studied with American soprano Margaret Harshaw.

Ryberg continued his vocal studies in Seattle and embarked on a 15-year banking career, serving as vice president and regional manager of Key Bank for Northwest Washington State. In 1996 he was appointed executive director of the Bellingham Festival of Music in Washington State, where he had served as chairman of the board of directors.

According to a statement, Ryberg has always wanted to lead an opera company.