(Credit: Michael Pöhn)

The Teatro alla Scala has named Dominique Meyer the new general manager, effective next year.

Meyer, who is currently in charge of the Wiener Staatsoper, will take over the position currently held by Alexander Pereira.

The decision was made due to Pereira’s controversial use of funds that helped finance the theater. However, the current general manager will stay until 2021 in order to help the transition and to supervise the productions he has already proposed for future seasons.

In a press statement, Meyer said, it was a “Great Honor” to take on the position and noted that “I have always felt a strong connection to the theater.” He also stated that “after many years in Vienna, Paris, and Lausanne, I am happy to begin a new adventure in Milan.”

The Teatro alla Scala opens the 2019-20 season with Puccini’s “Tosca’ in a new production by Davide Livermore starring Anna Netrebko and Riccardo Chailly.