Two artistic leaders, both highly respected in opera circles, officially joined Opera Theatre of Saint Louis this month.
Acclaimed soprano Patricia Racette, who has appeared in the most celebrated opera houses of the world and performed in the title roles of “Madama Butterfly,” “Tosca,” “Salome” and many others, has assumed a lead artistic role with Opera Theatre of Saint Louis.
Racette has been named OTSL’s new artistic director of Young Artist Programs. In her new role, she will help to identify and audition young artists from around the country, in addition to supervising the activities of Opera Theatre’s Gerdine Young Artist and Richard Gaddes Festival Artist Programs, including the curation of the annual Center Stage concert.
“I am thrilled to join the artistic team at OTSL,” Racette said. “Opera Theatre not only welcomed me for one of the earliest professional roles of my vocal career, but also supported my inaugural directorial project last year. The opportunity to shape the vision of this dynamic company sparks my passion to impact the operatic art form not only as a singer and director, but also as a teacher and a leader. As I expand my career, I eagerly look forward to helping identify and nurture the next generation of artists.”
Racette made her directorial debut at OTSL in 2018 with Verdi’s “La traviata,” and returns to OTSL in 2020 to direct Carlisle Floyd’s “Susannah.”
Also new to Opera Theatre is Damon Bristo, who will serve as director of artistic administration. Bristo, currently a vice president and artist manager in the Opera/Vocal management group at Columbia Artists, has represented many of the opera world’s finest artists, including Isabel Leonard, Deborah Voigt, Ryan McKinny, Tamara Wilson, James Morris and Amanda Majeski.
“Opera Theatre of Saint Louis has long been recognized as one of the most distinguished opera festivals in the United States,” Bristo noted. “From its beginning, OTSL has nurtured rising stars, produced innovative productions by cutting-edge directors, and fostered a warm community atmosphere at every single performance. ”
In his new role, Bristo will help to plan, cast, and produce all artistic activities at Opera Theatre, ranging from the festival season to special events and off-season programs.
“I am excited to welcome these extraordinary new colleagues to Opera Theatre’s artistic leadership,” said Andrew Jorgensen, OTSL’s general director. “Patricia Racette is an incomparable singer and visionary artist who also triumphed in her directorial debut here in 2018. She has a rich depth of wisdom and perspective to share with young singers, and I know she will help advance OTSL’s artistic mission. I am equally thrilled to welcome Damon Bristo, who possesses an encyclopedic knowledge of the operatic canon in addition to having managed one of the finest rosters in our business. He brings a deep commitment to discovering and promoting young talent.”
Racette and Bristo will work closely with artistic director James Robinson and resident conductor and head of music Roberto Kalb in support of Opera Theatre’s artistic planning.
Opera Theatre’s 2020 Festival Season runs May 23 to June 28, and features Bizet’s “Carmen,” Strauss’ “Die Fledermaus,” the world premiere of “Awakenings” by Tobias Picker and Aryeh Lev Stollman, Floyd’s “Susannah,” and the annual Center Stage concert showcasing OTSL’s young artists.
For more information, visit ExperienceOpera.org.
