Switzerland's Opéra de Lausanne Names New Music Director

Conductor Claude Cortese will step into the role in July 2024, succeeding Eric Vigié

Claude Cortese was appointed unanimously by the Opéra de Lausanne's Selection Committee, having been chosen from more than fifty applicants. Cortese will succeed Eric Vigié, stepping into the role on July 1, 2024.

Cortese is intimately familiar with the Lausanne opera house, having worked there as a stage manager when he was just 19 years old.

He has held conducting posts at the Angers Nantes Opéra, the Opéra National de Lorraine in Nancy, and the Opéra National du Rhin à Strasbourg — the latter at which he currently serves as director of artistic production.

Cortese also has experience in other branches of operatic work, having been the Production Manager of the Grand Théâtre de Genève for an eight-year stint.

"[Cortese's] long professional experience at the directorial level has allowed him to master all the artistic, technical and budgetary cogs inherent in the programming of the seasons entrusted to him," the Opéra de Lausanne wrote of the appointment.

"We are delighted with the appointment of Claude Cortese, whose personality and ability to unify those around him will enable the Opéra de Lausanne to further develop its influence and its success, to the high level of reputation to which its current director Eric Vigié has raised it," said chairman of the board Philippe Hebeisen and vice-chairman Grégoire Junod.