José Verstappen is stepping down as artistic director of Early Music Vancouver, a nonprofit group known for its annual summer concert festival.

Verstappen is resigning effective September 1, once the 2013 edition of the Vancouver Early Music Festival is over, the group announced in a news release.

"It’s been the joy of a lifetime; and it is enormously satisfying to see how this organization has grown over the years, how much we have achieved, and how many wonderful friendships this has brought me, with our staff, musicians, board members, volunteers, donors, colleagues in the field, and many others," Verstappen said in the release.

The release from Early Music Vancouver did not include any information about why Verstappen is resigning.

Matthew White, associate artistic director of Early Music Vancouver, will take over the role of artistic director.

Verstappen first joined the organization in 1979 as manager and has also held the position of executive director. He will move into an advisory role with Early Music Vancouver as artistic director emeritus.

The 2013 Vancouver Early Music Festival runs July 28 to August 10.