Dear Seattle Opera fan,
Today I come to you with bittersweet news.
I have been offered and accepted the opportunity to lead one of Europe’s most important artistic institutions. At the end of my Seattle Opera contract, I will return to Europe to serve as the next General Director at La Monnaie/De Munt in Brussels, Belgium, a 400+ year-old organization. Located at the heart of Europe, La Monnaie/De Munt presents 8 mainstage operas, as well as symphonic concerts, dance, chamber music, recitals, and numerous youth and family events each season.
Coming to this decision has not been easy. It is a privilege to be a member of Seattle’s great opera-loving community. This appointment, among other reasons, is a chance to be within driving distance of my mother and other family members who live in Hamburg, Germany.
You can read the full announcement on our website.
Serving as the General Director of Seattle Opera is a tremendous honor and I will miss working with every member of this passionate, dedicated team and the wonderful artists that make this company thrive. With your support, we’ve endured COVID-19, launched new initiatives, deepened community partnerships, debuted more than 100 national and international artists, and produced a highly successful world premiere that garnered international recognition. Furthermore, we have had more than 10,000 new households join the Seattle Opera family. In the past two seasons, our family has grown more diverse than ever before. You made these and other achievements possible through your support of the company, for which I am humbled and deeply thankful.
There is so much still to do. In the coming months, together we will celebrate our 60th anniversary with four magnificent mainstage operas, special concerts featuring our gifted chorus, and host a grand 60th Anniversary Concert and Gala. I’m looking forward to these events and so much more!
Seattle Opera is a great opera company with a thoughtful and supportive Board of Directors and a highly professional staff, orchestra, chorus, and crew. We also have you—a dear, supportive friend. Seattle Opera is in excellent hands.
I cherish exploring and living in this beautiful state. My new friends and neighbors have embraced me, and the leaders of other Seattle arts organizations are superb and inclusive colleagues. I look forward to seeing you at McCaw Hall, the Opera Center, and throughout the city all next season. And as always, you are welcome to reach out to me.
Yours truly,
Christina Scheppelmann
General Director