San Francisco Opera has awarded director Michael Cavanagh, who passed away on March 13, 2024 at the age of 62.

The director debuted at San Francisco Opera in 2012 with a production of “Nixon in China” and also led productions of “Susannah,” “Lucia di Lammermoor,” and “Svabda-Wedding” as part of the San Francisco Opera Lab in 2016. Finally, he created a new production of the Mozart-Da Ponte Trilogy between 2019-2022.

“It was clear from the moment Michael debuted with us in 2012 that his vision, energy and collaborative spirit resonated beautifully with the Company and this city,” said San Francisco Opera Dianne and Tad Taube General Director Matthew Shilvock in an official press statement. “We entered into a series of new productions with Michael that have defined so much of the artistic arc of the Company over the last decade. In recognition of his extraordinary impact on the artistry of our stage, we proudly awarded Michael our highest honor, the San Francisco Opera Medal. His beloved wife, Jackie Short, was able to share the news with him shortly before he passed.”

The company will celebrate the director this weekend with an event on April 21, 2024.