Chicago Opera Theater names general director

Chicago Opera Theater has named conductor Andreas Mitisek as its next general director. Mitisek will replace Brian Dickie, who steps down in August 2012 after 12 years with the company.

“We chose Andreas to be the next general director due to his original and unique artistic vision which builds upon the incredibly high standard set by Brian,” said Chicago Opera Theater board President Gregory O’Leary in a statement.

Mitisek, a native of Vienna, Austria, is currently artistic and general director of Long Beach Opera in California, which is known for producing adventurous and lesser-known operatic repertory, like Chicago Opera Theater. In an interesting twist, Mitisek will continue with his duties for Long Beach Opera in addition to his new role managing Chicago Opera Theater.

“Creating a national collaboration with Long Beach Opera will bring a heightened presence for both companies,” Mitisek said in a statement.

Mitisek joined Long Beach Opera in 1998 as its principal conductor, later assuming his administrative and artistic roles in 2003. During his time with Long Beach Opera, Mitisek more than doubled its budget from $434,000 to $1.2 million.

Mitisek will start his five-year contract with Chicago Opera Theater in January as general director designate and work with Dickie through the transition period.

Chicago Opera Theater performs at Millennium Park’s Harris Theater for Music and Dance in Chicago and its 2012 season features performances of Shostakovich’s “Moscow, Cheryomushki” and Handel’s “Teseo” in April and Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” in September. For more information, visit ChicagoOpearaTheater.org.