Robert Ripps began his “behind the scenes” career in classical music in 1973 at the Canadian Opera Company after studying in the opera production program at University of Toronto. The recipient of an NEA grant in 1975 Robert returned to the U.S. as a production intern at the San Francisco Opera, subsequently being hired as an Assistant Stage Director/Stage Manager (1976-79). Returning to his native New York City in 1979 Robert began formative stints at Decca/London Records as PR & Artist Relations Director, followed by WNET/TV (PBS) as Talent Coordinator of their annual televised fundraising concert, and at Stereo Review/Sound and Vision magazine as Classical Music Editor that broadened his scope of the “music industry”.

Responding to the devastating losses the performing arts community suffered in the early days of AIDS he produced three Music for Life gala fundraising concerts at Carnegie Hall between 1987-93, raising over 4 million dollars for Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC) programs providing HIV/AIDS care, education and advocacy.

A six-year restorative extended pit-stop in New Mexico led him to join his first board of directors at the Santa Fe Desert Chorale, serving as its President for three years (2005-08), also serving on the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival board.

Robert returned to San Francisco in 2010 and was invited to join the board of Opera Parallèle in 2011, serving as its President from 2013-17. He remains on their Advisory Council and Planning Committee and consults with other Bay Area not-for-profits on strategic planning, board development, governance practices and fundraising initiatives. He also volunteers at OpenHouse serving on its annual spring event fundraising committee.