Pacific Opera Victoria’s conductor Timothy Vernon will step down next year from his position as Artistic Director.

The Canadian company announced that a search would begin shortly to hire a replacement.

Vernon was a co-founder of the company and will remain involved with Pacific Opera until his current five-year contract ends in June. He will assist the company on a periodic basis while it searches for its next Artistic Director. This season Veron will also conduct three productions “Carmen” (October), “The Birds” (February), and “Così fan tutte” (April).

Pacific Opera Victoria’s CEO Ian Rye said, “It will be a hard transition, after 43 years with the company. But at the same time, it will be a privilege to celebrate him this year. We’re not saying goodbye, we’re saying thank you.”

Vernon added, “I’ve got 10 years of energy and ideas and plans left.”

Vernon has been committed to Victoria’s arts community and has mentored numerous young performers over the years. His accolades include the Order of Canada, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, and the Lieutenant Governor’s Arts and Music Award.

He has also been a guest conductor with symphonies in Calgary, Vancouver, Edmonton, Montréal, Winnipeg, Toronto, Nova Scotia, and Ottawa.