Seattle Opera’s General Director Aiden Lang has announced that he will be leaving the company after the 2018-19 season.

In a letter, Lang noted that he has been appointed to become the General Director of the Welsh National Opera after this season.

“Coming to Seattle Opera was one of the greatest honors of my life and I am still absolutely thrilled to have created opera with you. This company is known around the world for its enthusiastic and generous opera community, warm and welcoming atmosphere for artists, and your desire to experience a mix of operas and styles,” he wrote.

Lang was appointed on Sept. 1, 2014 after having served as the General Director of the New Zealand Opera between 2006-2013. He has also worked as freelance director with a number of companies, including the Welsh National Opera, which he noted is where his opera career began.

“I consider [the Welsh National Opera] my artistic home – the only company for which I would even consider departing Seattle.”

Per his letter, the Seattle Opera Board of Trustees is searching for the company’s next leader.