Opera Europa appoints Karen Stone as director

Florence Lockheart
Friday, October 21, 2022

Taking on the role from 1 January next year Stone will succeed Nicholas Payne, who has led the organisation since 2003

Image courtesy of Opera Europa
Image courtesy of Opera Europa

Opera Europa, the professional association of opera companies and festivals in Europe, has announced the appointment of Karen Stone as director. Taking on the role from 1 January next year Stone will succeed Nicholas Payne, who has led the organisation for almost two decades.

Stone will work alongside general manager Audrey Jungers, and their team in Brussels. The appointment was announced by Opera Europa president Anna Maria Meo during the association’s autumn conference in Budapest.

Meo said: ‘The selection committee was convinced by Karen Stone’s true devotion to opera and the performing arts. She has been a faithful and active member of Opera Europa for many years and has demonstrated her support and belief in our association. Her international experience and her understanding of the diversity of our membership are of great value.’

The 2021/22 season marked Stone’s final season as artistic director of Theater Magdeburg after 13 years in the role. Stone’s prior experience included the role of general director at The Dallas Opera, generalintendantin at Oper Graz and opera director at Oper Köln.

Stone said: ‘I cannot wait to sit down with them and the Board to grow Opera Europa and plan future initiatives and directions. I am looking forward enormously to putting all my efforts into supporting and developing this great institution and to meeting with all my colleagues and friends and getting the input from such a creative group.’

With roots going back to 1995, Opera Europa took shape in 2002, following the merger of the European Opera Network and the Eurolyrica associations, and has been led by Nicholas Payne since 2003. Meo said: ‘We are eternally grateful to Nicholas Payne for being such a strong leader for Opera Europa over the past 19 years. He grew Opera Europa from a small gathering of 40 Intendants to a true membership association of over 220 organisations with roots deep into each opera company, servicing the industry in a discreet but ever so efficient way.’