Music Director Lidiya Yankovskaya to Step Down from Chicago Opera Theater

Yankovskaya will continue to lead the company's Vanguard Initiative, which she created in 2018

Conductor Lidiya Yankovskaya will step down from her role as Music Director of the Chicago Opera Theater (COT) at the conclusion of the 2023/24 season, after seven years of service. Her final performance with the company will take place in December, when she leads the Chicago premiere of Shostakovich’s opera The Nose — in a new production by Francesca Zambello on December 8 and 10.

Yankovskaya will retain a connection with the company through her continued involvement in its Vanguard Initiative, which is an immersive training and residency program for first-time opera composers. Yankovskaya spearheaded the creation of the program in 2018. 

During 2023, Yankovskaya made her debuts with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Utah Symphony, North Carolina Symphony, Phoenix Symphony, Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, Charlotte Symphony, and Symphony San Jose. She has also led the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in two world premieres of works by Jessie Montgomery and Curtis Stewart.

"It was a privilege to be part of steering Chicago Opera Theater through this pivotal time for both the company and the industry at large," Yankovskaya said. "I am very proud that we have deepened COT's commitment to opera as a living art form by introducing more than 25 works to Chicago audiences for the first time, including nearly a dozen world premieres, while continually reaching new artistic heights."

"I have known new General Director Larry Edelson for many years, and am certain that his deep industry knowledge, artistic vision, and commitment to new repertoire will ensure continued excellence and forward momentum for the company," she continued. "I’m eager to see the future he will help create, along with our incredible audiences, artists, board, and staff."

"I have had the opportunity to collaborate with Lidiya for almost ten years and she is – without a doubt – one of the most exciting conductors working today," said Lawrence Edelson, the General Director of the COT. "The passion she brings to the podium is contagious and her musical gifts are without question, so it should come as no surprise that she has become in great demand around the globe. Her recent debuts at Santa Fe Opera, Houston Grand Opera, English National Opera, and Staatsoper Hamburg point to an increasingly dynamic career of musical leadership internationally."

"We are excited to see her continue to enrich the operatic landscape, and are exploring opportunities to welcome her back as a guest conductor in future seasons," he continued. "At the same time, we are thrilled that Lidiya is continuing to make time to remain at the helm of the Vanguard Initiative, as she is such an extraordinary mentor for emerging opera composers, and propelling forward new and emerging operatic writers will continue to figure centrally in the mission of Chicago Opera Theater."