Opera Theatre of Saint Louis has named its first-ever principal conductor.
Daniela Candillari, considered a fast-rising star in the opera world, made her debut with Opera Theatre (OTSL) in 2021 and has since conducted at the Metropolitan Opera and Boston Lyric Opera. Next month, she will conduct “Fire Shut Up in My Bones” at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
Candillari will mark her first performance in the newly created role of principal conductor in the 2022 Festival Season, conducting Bizet’s “Carmen.” She will also conduct the company’s annual “Center Stage concert.
As principal conductor, Candillari will collaborate with OTSL’s leadership to shape the artistic direction of the company, providing oversight to ensure the highest quality of musical preparation for each production and partnering with the musicians of the Grammy Award-winning St. Louis Symphony Orchestra to sustain an environment that supports creative development.
A native of Serbia, Candillari made her OTSL debut with the “New Works, Bold Voices Lab” in 2021. She is quickly becoming one of opera’s most in-demand conductors, conducting at the country’s leading orchestras and opera companies, including the New York Philharmonic, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Los Angeles Opera and Opera Philadelphia.
“I am extremely excited to be joining Opera Theatre of Saint Louis as principal conductor,” Candillari said. “During my debut in St. Louis last season, I felt welcomed by OTSL, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and the audience; I also felt an incredible connection to the city and community of St. Louis. Since coming to the U.S. as a student, I have always admired OTSL’s commitment to young artists, new repertoire and their high level of artistic achievement. I look forward to building a strong relationship with OTSL in the coming years and working with the entire team who make OTSL a leading American opera company.”
In addition to Candillari’s appointment, Opera Theatre announced it is extending the contracts of artistic director James Robinson and artistic director of Young Artist Programs Patricia Racette through 2026.
Robinson has directed a number of notable productions at Opera Theatre, including the world premiere of “Fire Shut Up in My Bones,” and continues to serve a vital role in curating future projects and seasons.
Since her appointment in 2019, world-renowned soprano Patricia Racette has been instrumental in the growth of OTSL’s widely acclaimed Gerdine Young Artist Program. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she successfully transitioned the program online, arranging master classes with leading vocal artists and workshops with a wide variety of opera luminaries from companies around the country. Each year, she co-curates OTSL’s annual young artist showcase concert, “Center Stage,” with Robinson.
Opera Theatre’s 2022 Festival Season opens with Bizet’s “Carmen” on May 21. For more information, visit ExperienceOpera.org/Tickets.
New Exhibition Examines Innovation from an Impressionist Perspective
