Carolyn Chard, West Australian Opera General Manager, has announced the appointment of Joseph Colaneri as the company's new Artistic Director, succeeding Richard Mills AM who has held the position since 1997.Mr Colaneri was appointed following an extensive international search. A conductor and opera educator, Mr Colaneri lives in New York. For many years he has conducted regularly with The Metropolitan Opera and The New York City Opera and he is Artistic Director of The Mannes Opera at Mannes College The New School for Music (New York City).
While Mr Colaneri will continue to conduct with international opera companies he is looking forward to spending significant time in Perth each year. He will be in residence during September and October this year for Madam Butterfly and will conduct two operas each year.