Opera Australia CEO resigns, is headed for London’s Royal Albert Hall

Madama Butterfly, Opera Australia

Here’s a surprise piece of news! This evening Opera Australia announced the resignation of its CEO, Craig Hassall AM. Hassall has given six months’ notice before his exist, during which time the company will search for his replacement.

Hassall has been appointed Chief Executive at London’s Royal Albert Hall in 2017.

Craig Hassall. Image courtesy of Opera Australia

Opera Australia today announced the resignation of CEO Craig Hassall AM, who has been appointed Chief Executive at London’s Royal Albert Hall in 2017. Craig has given Opera Australia 6 months’ notice during which time the company will commence a search for a suitable replacement.

“Craig has made a significant impact on Opera Australia over the three years he will have been with the company,” said Opera Australia Chairman, David Mortimer AO.

‘The company continues to face challenges with the closure next year for an extended period of time of the Joan Sutherland Theatre at the Sydney Opera House, but Craig and Artistic Director Lyndon Terracini along with the OA team have introduced an excellent program to minimise the financial disruption and ensure exciting operas and programs continue to be available to our patrons and supporters throughout Australia.

“We will miss Craig and his leadership but recognise that his new appointment is a major one and it is wonderful to see an Australian again playing a major role in London’s arts community,” said Mr Mortimer.

In a statement, Hassall praised his colleagues for their hard work and dedication during his three-year tenure.

“I am very proud to have been CEO of Opera Australia.

“Throughout my long association with the company at varying stages of my career, I have always had the greatest admiration for the team who produce such an extraordinary range of works of the highest quality.

“With recent changes, a national review, the 2017 closure of our main theatre and challenges for the arts sector, I remain impressed at the company’s ability to develop and define a 21st century Opera Company. I look forward to continuing to work with Lyndon and David Mortimer on this vision before I head to London in 2017, and of course wish the company continued success” said Mr Hassall.

Cassie Tongue

Cassie is a theatre critic and arts writer in Sydney, and was the deputy editor of AussieTheatre. She has written for The Guardian, Time Out Sydney, Daily Review, and BroadwayWorld Australia. She is a voter for the Sydney Theatre Awards.