Joseph Mechavich will be the new General Director of Piedmont Opera.

Mechavich previously served as Interim Artistic Director, and during his tenure he led the organization to sold-out performances in an alternative venue and oversaw the creation of a new “Carmen” set developed in partnership with Knoxville Opera. As General Director, Mechavich will oversee artistic planning and institutional strategy in collaboration with Piedmont Opera’s board, leadership team, artists, and community partners.

Moreover, Mechavich is set to conduct Bizet’s “Carmen” on March 27, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. and March 29, 2026, at 3 p.m. at High Point Theatre.

“I am honored to take on the role of General Director of Piedmont Opera,” said Mechavich per an official press release. “This
company has a remarkable spirit, a devoted community, and a commitment to producing opera of the highest quality. I look forward to building on that strong foundation and to help shape the company’s next chapter.”

Beyond his work with Piedmont Opera, Mechavich is an internationally active conductor and arts administrator whose career includes productions of “Porgy and Bess” at Deutsche Oper Berlin and Cape Town Opera, “Il barbiere di Siviglia” at Washington National Opera, “Turandot” at Calgary Opera, and “Nixon in China” with the Auckland Philharmonic and New Zealand Opera. He has also worked extensively as a mentor at institutions including the Brevard Music Festival, The Curtis Institute of Music, Oberlin Conservatory of Music, and Northwestern University.

Piedmont Opera was founded in 1976 and the company’s 2026 season will mark its 50th anniversary.

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