Peter Rubin, president of Cleveland Opera's board of trustees, said, "Robert leaves following our just-completed performances of Eugene Onegin, which played to critical acclaim. We appreciate his work on making this production a success and thank him for all his contributions to Cleveland Opera. We extend our best wishes to Robert and his family."

Chumbley, a conductor, previously served as president and chief executive officer of the Arts Council of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and executive director and music director of Atlanta Ballet.