The Royal Swedish Opera has appointed Michael Cavanagh as its Artistic Director.

Cavanagh has directed over 150 opera productions at 30 companies around the world. He has served as the artistic director of the Edmonton Opera, production director at Opera on the Avalon in St. John, and written librettos for seven chamber operas.

At the Royal Swedish Opera he has directed productions of “Nixon in China” and Aida.” His appointment starts after the summer of 2021 and will be for five years.

“From the very first moment I set foot in that spectacular, historic opera house, I’ve loved working at the Royal Swedish Opera,” Cavanagh stated in a press release. “I’ve had so many wonderful experiences with the soloists, chorus, music staff, orchestra, crew, company and audience. I am also very much looking  forward to have the opportunity to collaborate with the very prominent conductor Alan Gilbert, whom the Royal Swedish Opera has engaged as music director.”

Among Cavanagh’s upcoming major projects is the three Da Ponte-Mozart operas at the San Francisco Opera.