July 23, 2012 - 1:37 PM
TORONTO - Canadian Opera Company general director Alexander Neef is staying put for another nine years.
The Toronto-based company says Neef has renewed his contract as general director through the 2020/2021 season.
The German-born impresario began his appointment in October 2008, assuming the position left vacant by the death of Richard Bradshaw.
Productions during his tenure have included the world premiere of "The Nightingale and Other Short Fables" and the Canadian debuts of "Maria Stuarda," "Love from Afar" and "A Florentine Tragedy."
It was under his leadership that the company returned to the prestigious Brooklyn Academy of Music for the first time since 1993.
In a statement, Neef says he's proud of what the COC has accomplished during his tenure there, noting it's "become a destination for artists of truly remarkable calibre."
"At the time of my appointment in 2008, my promise was to make the COC one of the best companies in the world," said Neef.
"The last four years have been about increasing the company's international reach and reputation, and that will continue to be a priority, but they’ve also been about taking the necessary time to form relationships and deep roots within our community."
Neef's new contract extends his tenure with the COC through to the end of September 2021.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2012