City Opera Vancouver has announced the appointment of Canadian conductor Gordon Gerrard as the organization’s next artistic director. Gerrard replaces the company’s founding artistic director Dr. Charles Barber who retired in January.
A former Vancouver resident, Gerrard previously served as the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra’s assistant and associate conductor from 2012 to 2016 under the mentorship of Maestro Bramwell Tovey. He continues to lead the orchestra as a guest conductor and enjoys a long association with Vancouver Opera and UBC Opera. Gerrard is in his sixth season as the Regina Symphony Orchestra music director. He has worked at such organizations as Calgary Opera, Opera Nuova and Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity.
“Gordon’s impressive background as a conductor, opera specialist and educator, coupled with his imaginative programming and community engagement experience, bring a dynamic perspective to this pivotal leadership role,” says board president Janet Lea in a media release. “His commitment to cultivating community and telling compelling stories that illuminate contemporary challenges resonates strongly with City Opera’s values, as does his passion for making music accessible to everyone. It’s an exciting new chapter in City Opera’s history.”
Gerrard will take up his new role with City Opera in September 2023, in tandem with his ongoing position at the Regina Symphony Orchestra.
“City Opera’s successful track record reflects its understanding of meaningful community connection and the power of great operatic storytelling,” says Gerrard. “I’m honoured to join this respected organization and build on its inspired traditions of collaboration, inclusion and impactful music-making. It’s a perfect time to seize new possibilities for creating modern engaged chamber opera experiences that enrich the cultural life of Vancouver and solidify City Opera’s place as a vital contributor to the Canadian experience.
For more information on City Opera Vancouver, visit cityoperavancouver.com.