The board of the National Opera and Ballet Foundation justified its presentation with leadership skills, visionary abilities and networks.
– He has good networks and evidence of long-term and financially sustainable planning. In Thomas, we would get a visionary artistic director who would boldly develop the future of opera.
The artistic director’s bath aroused wide interest internationally. In addition to the public search, a recruitment expert and direct search were used. 76 people from 20 different countries were involved in the process.
The vision was too much for some
Thomas de Mallet Burgess has been the general director and artistic director of New Zealand Opera since 2018. During his period, which included vigorous reforms, the audience grew and became more diverse.
De Mallet Burgess’s vision also caused outrage in New Zealand. Last year, a third of the opera’s board resigned in protest against the artistic line.
In the opinion of the resigned board members, badly behaved British tourists were not a suitable subject for an opera production. De Mallet Burgess responded to the criticism of the production by stating that he was chosen to renovate the house and that he did.
During his period, it was possible to get an exceptional number of first-timers and young people to the audience of the New Zealand Opera, for example with an immersive production of Handel’s Semele.
The decision will be made in October
Before leaving New Zealand Opera, Thomas de Mallet Burgess founded Lost in Australia
In addition to New Zealand, De Mallet Burgess has directed opera productions at, among others, the Canadian Opera Company, the Royal Opera House in London and the Wexford Opera Festival.
Thomas de Mallet Burgess is particularly interested in the relationship between the audience and the performers and has collaborated with several opera houses. In addition, he is an internationally respected expert in stage skills training.
If Thomas de Mallet Burgess is appointed, the contract will be signed for four years and includes a three-year option. The first program designed by the new artistic director would be seen in the 2025–2026 season.
The foundation’s board will make the final naming decision in October after consulting personnel groups. Before that, no public statements will be made on the matter.