Bicket named Santa Fe Opera conductor
Harry Bicket was announced Wednesday as the new chief conductor of Santa Fe Opera. The appointment will be effective October 1. Bicket’s first production under his new post will be Fidelio in 2014.
“The entire Santa Fe Opera family is thrilled to have Harry join the company and welcomes him to Santa Fe,” said general director Charles MacKay in a statement released by the company. “Harry Bicket is one of the most important and sought-after conductors working today, and brings a wealth of experience to Santa Fe. … his ability to commit to the responsibilities of Chief Conductor is a coup for the Company.”
“I am thrilled to be joining a company that has such a fierce commitment to the highest artistic standards as well as to adventurous programming,” said Bicket. “My work with this orchestra has been some of the most fulfilling of my career, and I look forward to many years of collaboration to come”.
The British conductor, 52, is best know for his skill in early and Baroque opera. Previously he led performances of Agrippina in 2004, Platée in 2007 and Radamisto in 2008.
Bicket succeeds Frederic Chaslin, who departed Santa Fe Opera last summer after just two seasons.