The Lyric Opera of Chicago has named Matthew Ozawa as Chief Artistic Administration Officer.

Ozawa is a renowned state director who has led productions at the San Francisco Opera, Des Moines Metro Opera, Cincinnati Opera, Opera Colorado, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Sante Fe Opera, Opera Theatre of St. Louis, and West Edge Opera, among many others.

In his new position, Ozawa will oversee major departments including casting and artistic planning, music administration, The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center and Lyric’s company management department. He will also be joining the company’s Executive Leadership Team.

“I am delighted to welcome Matthew as our new CAAO. Beyond his considerable work for and at Lyric, he has extensive experience as a director working with companies around the country,” said Anthony Freud, Lyric’s general director, president & CEO, in an official press statement.  “Matthew is also an artistic director and educator, with experience in disciplines ranging from opera and musical theater to dance and visual arts. We are looking forward to Matthew joining the company in this newly created position. He will play a key role in our ongoing efforts to build a vital and vibrant future for Lyric Opera of Chicago through our shared deep commitment to advancing our art and our artists in service to our ever broadening audiences.”