Conductor Robert Lyall has Died, Aged 76

The opera specialist served quarter-century stints at both New Orleans Opera and Opera Grand Rapids

The American conductor Robert Lyall, who was closely associated with the New Orleans Opera, has passed away at the age of 76 — having been fighting cancer since his diagnosis in April 2023.

Lyall was Artistic Director of the New Orleans Opera for a quarter of a century, with his tenure concluding in 2021. During that time he brought a new variety of works and concerts to New Orleans audiences, including the premiere of Thea Musgrave's Pontalba — a commission that marked the 200th anniversary of the Louisiana Purchase. He was also instrumental in rebuilding operatic life in New Orleans during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Lyall also served 27 years as the Artistic Director and Principal Conductor at Opera Grand Rapids, and also had stints at Knoxville Opera, Mississippi Opera, the Victoria Symphony Orchestra, and the Istanbul State Opera in Turkey.

Among many other honors, Lyall was made a "Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres" by the French government in 2006.

"In Maestro Lyall, the city of New Orleans has lost a cultural icon," said Emmet Geary, the chair of the board at the New Orleans Opera Association. "He was invariably kind and thoughtful, and he truly cared about the staff, production crew, singers, and everyone who contributed to New Orleans Opera’s artistic vision. Robert has left a tremendous legacy that has enriched the cultural life of the city and will be remembered for generations to come."