Francesca Campagna has been named the general director of the Center for Contemporary Opera, effective immediately.

The company made the announcement on Sept. 25, 2019 emphasizing that Campagna is not only the first female General Director in the company’s 37-year history, but also the first immigrant to occupy the position.

Per a press release, she is set to oversee the development of CCO’s productions in both the U.S. and globally with the intent of expanding education, partnership, and fundraising programs.

“I am delighted to take on the challenge of making sure that we at CCO are always contemporary, and at the absolute forefront of our craft.  My passion is bringing stories to stages,” Campagna stated in a press release. “Opera embraces social issues, illuminates complex situations and allows us to feel deep emotions.  I love helping people to experience that and guiding artists in this vision.”  She continues, “To me there has never been a more exciting time to be in opera and expand the relevance of this vibrant art form.  And at CCO  we are uniquely able to do that with new commissions and by bringing contemporary work to new stages in New York and the world.”

Campagna has worked on over 300 productions over 12 years with such noted aritsts as Franco Zeffirelli, Graham Vick, Claudio Abbado, and Gustavo Dudamel. She was also a prominent figure in establishing the Royal Opera House Muscat.