Dutch National Opera & Ballet announced the November 1, 2020 departure of General Director Els van der Plas.

The announcement, posted on Dutch National Opera’s Facebook page on July 3, stated van der Plas will join the Bonnefanten Museum in Maastricht as the art museum’s business manager. The post thanked van der Plas for her accomplishments as General Director and congratulated her on her new endeavor.

Upon assuming her role as the Bonnefanten’s business manager, van der Plas will fulfill a long-desired career goal of working with an art museum.

In the post, van der Plas stated, “Looking back, I’m incredibly proud of all the fantastic things we’ve achieved together with the artists, singers, dancers, colleagues, supporters, Friends and sponsors.”

As General Director of Dutch National Opera & Ballet, van der Plas presided over the merger between Dutch National Opera, Dutch National Ballet, and Het Muziektheater Amsterdam.

Her tenure over the joint organizations includes notable achievements in audience development, brand awareness, and capital projects such as the construction of the Odeonzaal and the renovation of the foyers.

Additionally, van der Plas launched key academic and financial initiatives, including a collaboration with the University of Amsterdam to create the Pierre Audi Chair, providing academic support for opera as an art form; the launch of Dutch National Opera & Ballet Foundation; and the development and launch of the Young Patrons Circle.