Opera Theatre of Saint Louis has announced that Andrew Jorgensen will be the next general director of the company. He is slated to take over his new position starting July 2, 2018.

Jorgensen will replace Timothy O’Leary, who is heading to Washington National Opera. Jorgensen and O’Leary are expected to work closely during the upcoming 2018 festival to ensure a smooth transition.

Interestingly, Jorgensen is currently Director of Artistic Planning and Operations at Washington National Opera and has been acting as Interim Executive Director for the interim team as it awaits O’Leary’s arrival as General Director.

“Andrew is clearly a visionary, brimming with new ideas and an energy and enthusiasm that are absolutely infectious!” Stated OTSL Board Chairman Noémi Neidorff in a press release. “This transition is an exciting moment for Opera Theatre, and we are all confident that he will build upon our past successes and will take us to even greater heights.”

In addition to his work with WNO, Jorgensen has also worked at the artistic staff of the Metropolitan Opera and also worked as assistant artist manager in the vocal division of Columbia Artists Management.

It is a privilege to join the extraordinary team at Opera Theatre of Saint Louis,” said Jorgensen in a press release. “I am humbled to be following in the footsteps of Timothy O’Leary, Charles MacKay, and Richard Gaddes, and I am grateful to the Search Committee and the Board for the opportunity to join the vibrant St. Louis community. I was enchanted when I first visited OTSL in 2013 and I have since returned to the festival every season to experience both the thrill of extraordinary performances and the warm hospitality of the enthusiastic and thoughtful community of opera-lovers in St. Louis. I look forward to partnering with the entire OTSL family – including the talented staff, generous supporters, dedicated volunteers, intrepid audience, and visionary artistic leaders James Robinson and Stephen Lord.  Together, I am confident that we will continue to rise to the challenges of inspiring audiences and shaping opera for a changing future.”