Susan G. Marineau, President of Santa Fe Opera, has announced the appointment of Robert K. Meya as General Director, effective Oct. 1, 2018.

Meya has served as Director of External Affairs at Santa Fe Opera since March of 2012. He will be the fourth General Director in the company’s 62-year history. As General Director, Meya will provide executive leadership, strategic direction, and administrative oversight for Santa Fe Opera.

In accepting his appointment as General Director and assuming the title of General Director Designate, Meya announced that he will name Alexander Neef Santa Fe Opera’s first Artistic Director. Neef will hold this role (subject to INS approval) in addition to his position as General Director of the Canadian Opera Company. Meya will appoint Harry Bicket, Santa Fe Opera’s Chief Conductor since 2013 and Artistic Director of The English Concert, to be the company’s Music Director. Reporting to the General Director and in collaboration with the Music Director, the Artistic Director will ensure the highest possible standard of excellence in every aspect of Santa Fe Opera’s artistic operations. Neef’s and Bicket’s new positions will be effective on October 1, 2018.

“It was no surprise that the pool of candidates for General Director of Santa Fe Opera included some of the most accomplished and highly regarded individuals in the world of opera,” said President of Santa Fe Opera Susan G. Marineau. “We were engaged in this process non-stop for the last six months. Robert Meya is the best qualified successor to Charles MacKay and former General Directors John Crosby and Richard Gaddes.”

“It is truly humbling to be following in the footsteps of giants like Charles MacKay, Richard Gaddes, and John Crosby,” said General Director Designate Robert K. Meya. “I am deeply grateful to Charles, who has been my inspiration and my mentor over the last six years, and am especially thankful that I will have the next eight months to work closely by his side. I am confident that the team that I am creating – a triumvirate of sorts – will be able to rise to the challenges of the future. I am honored to have two leading figures in the field of opera joining me at the helm of this great company: Alexander Neef as Artistic Director and Harry Bicket as Music Director.”

“Robert Meya represents a new generation in top-tier opera management,” said General Director Charles MacKay. “It has been a great privilege for me to have collaborated so closely with him over the last six years. Not only does Robert have a stellar record in the industry, he knows our company inside and out, is well-respected by the Board, and understands the community of Santa Fe and the Opera’s unique place in the culture and economy of New Mexico. Like all three general directors who came before him, Robert began his career in opera at SFO. He has had significant experience in fundraising, marketing, Board relations, finance, and other areas fundamental to the operation of a major opera company. With the superb Santa Fe Opera staff and one of the most dedicated, generous, and engaged Boards any opera leader could want, I know the company will be in great hands.”