Opera Holland Park has announced the retirement of General Director Michael Volpe, which will take effect on Sept. 30, 2020.

Volpe began working with the owners of Holland Park Theatre in 1989 and under their management founded Opera Holland Park in 1996. In 2015, he transitioned the company to its own independent charity, working together with James Clutton to transform it into what it is today.

With Volpe’s retirement, Clutton will take over as Chief Executive and Director of the Opera. A Deputy Chief Executive will be recruited in coming months.

“It has been a life’s work at Opera Holland Park, but there comes a moment when one feels it is time for a change – both in one’s personal life, but perhaps also for the company, which is now mature enough to thrive and evolve on the strength of its own achievements and family of supporters,” stated Volpe in a press statement.