New Zealand Opera appoints new Executive Director

Richard Knowles has been appointed the new Executive Director of New Zealand Opera.

Knowles will be returning to his home town of Auckland after 24 years working in England and Australia for a range of arts organisations including the BBC Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra Manager) and Opera Australia (Company Manager). In the past decade, he has worked for several prestigious venues in London, such as the Royal Albert Hall, Southbank Centre and, most recently, as Head of Visitor Services at Buckingham Palace.

New Zealand Opera General Director Stuart Maunder says that Knowles has a wealth of operational and strategic experience that will be of great benefit to New Zealand Opera.

Maunder stated "we hear so often of talent leaving to pursue career development in Europe, so it’s wonderful to have someone of Richard’s calibre come back to New Zealand after enriching his skills overseas.”

In his new role, Knowles' responsibilities include overall management of the administrative functions of the company, as well as specific areas such as human resources, risk management, board liaison, corporate sponsorship and relationships with core funders.

Commenting on his appointment, Knowles stated “I’m very much looking forward to working in the performing arts again, with a direct connection to music.

“New Zealand has been pulling on the heart-strings for a while now, both to be nearer to my family, but also for the more attractive quality of life that is possible.”

“It’s really exciting to be living in New Zealand again after being away for 24 years. I’ve watched from afar as the cultural scene has grown exponentially here and have been pleased to see it moving to echo the diversity that the country itself now has.”

6th February 2016 - AUCKLAND ARTS FESTIVAL 2016 BRINGS OPERA BACK TO THE MERCURY

27th September 2013 - CREATIVE NEW ZEALAND AWARDS $19.5 MILLION TO THE ARTS