On Friday, February 9, COC General Director Alexander Neef was named Artistic Director of Santa Fe Opera by incoming SFO General Director Robert K. Meya. Conductor Harry Bicket, a frequent COC collaborator, was also named Music Director. 

As Alexander takes on this new role, he will continue his position as COC General Director, which remains his core priority and primary professional responsibility.  

“Santa Fe Opera is one of the most renowned cultural organizations in North America and I am thrilled to join its team,” Alexander said. “The COC and Santa Fe both share an uncompromising commitment to artistic excellence, as evidenced by the successful co-productions we’ve mounted together in recent years. I look forward to working with Robert Meya and Harry Bicket as we explore the infinite possibilities of opera in the 21st century.”

This exciting news has the whole opera world talking, with the New York Times noting that under Alexander’s leadership the COC has become “one of the most interesting opera houses in North America."

The story has also received coverage in Opera News, Opera Canada, the Santa Fe New Mexican, and the Albuquerque Journal, among others.  

---

Photo: Alexander Neef (2016) Bo Huang.