Patrick Lange has been named Opera North’s next Music Director in summer 2028, succeeding Garry Walker.

Over the years Lange has conducted at many leading opera houses worldwide, including the Vienna State Opera, the Bavarian State Opera in Munich and the Opéra National de Paris. He first made his debut with Opera North last year conducting “The Magic Flute” and this season will lead “Rigoletto.”

In a statement he said, “I am deeply moved by the extraordinary spirit that prevails in the company – a spirit that unites all the fantastic people within it in the pursuit of creating beautiful, delightful and memorable emotional experiences.”

General Director Laura Canning, General Director added,  “Patrick’s humanity, passion for music and theatre, and knowledge of singers and the international opera scene shine through in his hunger to make vital work which speaks to its community. This makes him the perfect choice to take Opera North forward, building on Garry and his predecessors’ exceptional work”