New Orleans Opera appoints general and artistic director

New Orleans Opera Association (NOOA) has announced the appointment of British-American producer and librettist Lila Palmer to the role of general and artistic director. Effective from 15 May, Palmer succeeds Clare Burovac, who steps down after three years in the role.

Palmer will be NOOA’s ninth chief executive and, in her new role will oversee the company’s operations and set its artistic vision as it embarks on its 81^st season. As well as building on Burovac’s successes, Palmer also succeeds Robert Lyall who passed away earlier this year after leading the company for 23 seasons, most notably, implementing a ‘company-saving effort’ following Hurricane Katrina.

Palmer said: ‘To be asked to lead a company with the lineage of New Orleans Opera Association is a tremendous gift and a humbling responsibility. The company and its antecedents formed the cradle of bel canto in America and the city has shown an unbroken legacy of love for both opera and the transformative, life-giving power of music. New Orleans continues to prove itself a resilient, vibrant, and joyful city, and it belongs at the forefront of the newly dawning golden age of American opera.’

Palmer joins NOOA from New York’s American Lyric Theater, where she was interim managing director and associate director for promotions and partnerships. She also brings to her new role extensive experience as a producer, mezzo-soprano, broadcaster and librettist. Palmer will continue her work as a librettist alongside her new position, with upcoming collaborations expected to include Mark Adamo, Rene Orth, and La Fura dels Baus.

NOOA board chair Emmet Geary said: ‘I am truly excited to welcome Lila Palmer to New Orleans Opera. Her extraordinary energy and insight, as well as her vast experience in opera as a performer, librettist, and producer, make her an ideal fit. Lila’s deep respect for both classic and contemporary repertoire will give the city an exciting menu of operatic performances, and I look forward to working with her to further our goal of connecting as many people as possible to the joy of opera.’