OTSL GENERAL DIRECTOR CHARLES MACKAY WILL SUCCEED
RICHARD GADDES AS GENERAL DIRECTOR OF THE SANTA FE OPERA

MacKay to assume new role in the fall of 2008 after 23 years in St. Louis Friday, November 9 – It was announced today in Santa Fe that Charles MacKay, who succeeded Richard Gaddes as OTSL’s general director in 1985, has been appointed to follow him once again in assuming the leadership of the famed Santa Fe Opera. Founded by John Crosby in 1957, the SFO presents an eight-week season in the mountains above Santa Fe with an annual operating budget of $17 million.

Photo by Ken Howard - 2007

“I am firmly convinced," said OTSL Board Chairman Donna Wilkinson, "that during the past twenty-three years it has been Charles's leadership and compelling vision that have made Opera Theatre one of the most highly regarded companies in the United States. He has helped perfect a model of artistic excellence and fiscal integrity that others seek to emulate. Charles's knowledge of every aspect of opera, his management acumen, and his skillful fundraising ability have earned him the respect, admiration, and trust of the St. Louis community. We will miss him terribly and wish him every success in his new role."

Charles MacKay grew up in Santa Fe, and worked for The Santa Fe Opera for ten years – first with the opera orchestra, then as box office manager and business manager. He was Director of Development and Finance at the Spoleto Festival and manager of American artists at the “Festival of Two Worlds” in Spoleto, Italy from 1979-1984 before becoming Opera Theatre’s Executive Director in 1984 and General Director in 1985. In addition to his position in St. Louis he is currently Chairman of the Board of OPERA America, the opera world’s leadership organization, having held that position since June 2004.

MacKay enjoyed a long collaboration with OTSL’s late artistic director Colin Graham and music director Stephen Lord in his 23 years as General Director. During his six years with Spoleto he worked closely with artistic director and founder Gian Carlo Menotti; he also worked closely with Richard Gaddes and John Crosby in his early years in Santa Fe. Just as Richard Gaddes followed John Crosby as only the second general director of The Santa Fe Opera, MacKay was only the second general director at Opera Theatre of Saint Louis. He will be the third general director in the 52-year history of Santa Fe.

Opera Theatre’s board will soon announce plans for the leadership transition. Charles will remain as OTSL’s general director through the 2008 season, and will take office in Santa Fe in October, 2008.