The Opéra Royal de Wallonie-Liège has announced that Stefano Pace will renew his contract as General and Artistic Director.

Pace’s second term will last five years and will take effect on July 1, 2026 and will run until June 30, 2031.

The General Assembly approved the renewal after convening on June 11, 2025, following a proposal from the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors unanimously recommended this renewal, citing the harmonious social climate within the institution, the artistic quality of the programming developed by Pace, and the sound financial health of the Opera.

In a statement Pace said, “I would like to warmly thank the Board of Directors for the trust they have shown by renewing my mandate. It is with great enthusiasm that I continue the work we have undertaken, the results of which are already widely acknowledged, both artistically and structurally. The Opéra Royal de Wallonie-Liège still has much to offer its audience, and I remain driven by a strong ambition for its future. I have the privilege of working with committed, highly skilled, and deeply dedicated teams. Their energy, professionalism, and attachment to this House are a constant source of inspiration. It is a daily privilege to work alongside them, and they deserve my deepest gratitude. I would also like to extend my special thanks to Giampaolo Bisanti, our Music Director, whose dedication and artistic vision make him a key partner in the success of our shared projects.”

Willy Demeyer, President of the Board of Directors and Mayor of the City of Liège, added, “The renewal of Mr Stefano Pace’s mandate reflects the full and unwavering confidence of the Board of Directors. Throughout his tenure, Mr Pace has proven to be a thoughtful interlocutor, a consistent source of ideas, and a wise manager. As President of the Board, and also as Mayor of the City of Liège, I am delighted to see the Opéra Royal de Wallonie-Liège continue its development under his leadership. The Opera is a major asset for the Liège metropolitan area and the Wallonia-Brussels Federation: it contributes to their international visibility, strengthens their appeal as cultural destinations, supports their economic and cultural renewal, and fully reflects their European vocation, at the crossroads of key artistic, economic and touristic networks in neighbouring countries. Its dynamism reaches far beyond the world of opera, and that is why we are committed to supporting its trajectory.”

Pace has been General and Artistic Director of the company since 2021 and has led the institution with a clear artistic vision, unwavering commitment to excellence, and a strong determination to open the Opera to new audiences.

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