Missouri’s Opera Theater of St. Louis Hires New Artistic Director

Internationally renowned soprano Patricia Racette will begin the role in the fall

Patricia Racette will join the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis (OTSL) as its new Artistic Director from October 1, 2025. This appointment follows an international search conducted by the Catherine French Group.

Racette succeeds James Robinson, who started the role in 2009; in addition to her new role, she will continue serving as the head of the Opera Theatre’s Young Artist Programs, where she has worked since 2019. 

An acclaimed soprano, teacher, and stage director, Racette made her debut at OTSL in 1993. Since then, she has performed at the Metropolitan Opera, Royal Opera House, Paris Opera, Teatro alla Scala, Bayerische Staatsoper, San Francisco Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Houston Grand Opera, and more. 

In 2018, she directed her first production with Verdi’s La traviata at OTSL; in 2021, she starred in and directed Poulenc’s La Voix humaine in 2021 at the same company. Recently, her production of Carlisle Floyd’s Susannah won the St. Louis Theater Circle Award for “Outstanding Production of an Opera.”

Her other honors include an Opera News Award, Richard Tucker Award, and Marian Anderson Award. In 2017, she won a GRAMMY Award for Best Opera Recording for her performance in the Los Angeles Opera’s production of The Ghosts of Versailles.

Joining OTSL as it marks its 50th anniversary, Racette will work closely with General Director Andrew Jorgensen in leading an artistic team including Principal Conductor Daniela Candillari, and the company’s administrative and production staff. 

Currently artistic director designate, her responsibilities will involve curating the programming, casting, and the execution of Opera Theatre’s festival season and year-round events. 

“Over the course of her career, Patricia has stood at the pinnacle of the opera world — singing the most demanding roles at the most prestigious houses, always with extraordinary artistry and precision,” Jorgensen said. “Excellence and passion are her calling cards. But she’s also a mentor, a teacher, and an inspiring leader. 

“In her years leading the Young Artist Programs, we have seen just how deeply Patricia understands Opera Theatre’s mission of identifying young talent and launching exciting careers,” he continued. “She has a unique capacity to identify and nurture excellence, because she has lived that journey. As Patricia steps into this larger role to help us envision a bold future, I am confident she will continue to inspire and support the very best in everyone who comes through our doors, leading to powerful, new productions at OTSL and ultimately strengthening the field of opera.” 

“I am deeply honored to step into this new chapter with Opera Theatre of Saint Louis,” Racette added. “This company has long been a place where emerging artists — not just singers, but directors, designers, artisans, administrators, and so many others — can hone their talents and launch major careers. 

“Opera Theatre is also a company that has never been afraid to take artistic risks, and as a result, world-class productions originate here that go on to stages around the country. I look forward to continuing and expanding that legacy by helping to curate programming that reflects our common humanity, incorporates new voices, and embodies the spirit of excellence that defines OTSL. I want every company member who walks through our doors to feel seen, supported, and challenged to be their very best.”