Victorian Opera has announced that Stuart Maunder has been appointed as its next Artistic Director.

He is set to begin this new role in October 2023, just before the departure of current Artistic Director Richard Mills.

Maunder brings with him decades of experience in stage management and administration, having worked at Opera Australia from 1998 to 2008 before being named General Director of New Zealand Opera in 2014. In 2018, he was appointed Artistic Director of State Opera South Australia, where he was a staunch proponent of Australian repertoire and supporting young, local artists.

As a director, Maunder has collaborated with Victorian Opera for a number of productions, including four musicals by Stephen Sondheim, Janacek’s “Cunning Little Vixen,” and a co-production of Richard Meale’s “Voss” with State Opera South Australia.