OperaUpClose in the UK has announced that Flora McIntosh will be its new artistic director.

She will take over the role for Robin Norton Hale who is set to take over the position of General Director at English Touring Opera.

McIntosh, who took on an advisory role with the company as an Artistic Associate in 2019, is a performer, facilitator, and teacher. She has performed numerous roles with the company and has also appeared with such organizations as Longborough Festival Opera, among others.

“It is an honor and a privilege to take on the role of OUC Artistic Director, expanding and re-focusing the work and impact of an organization I know and love. I am passionate about embedding ourselves as a partner at the brilliant & dynamic cultural hub at MAST, developing lasting multi-disciplinary partnerships, and opening up our creative process to audiences and local communities,” McIntosh stated in a press release. “This is a major transformational stage of OUC’s development and a thrilling opportunity to develop our reputation as a truly innovative force in UK opera.”

Regarding the appointment, OperaUpClose Chair Abigail Toland added, “The Board and I are delighted that Flora is stepping into the role of Artistic Director. Flora has impressed us with her clear vision for OperaUpClose – building on all that Robin has achieved and now taking the company forward into an exciting future of creative collaboration. We look forward to seeing OperaUpClose flourish under Flora’s artistic direction both at our home at MAST, and around the country with the many partner organizations with whom she has already established strong relationships.”

Founded in 2009, OperaUpClose has produced 29 operas including six world premieres.