“The relentless improvement in the artistry we are witnessing on the stage of the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts is the best evidence of Alexander Neef’s unique ability to fit the right artists to the works that can best show their talents,” says Philip C. Deck, President of the Canadian Opera Company Board of Directors. Neef's work, in recent years, has inspired a resurgence of Opera fever in the city and brought tons of media attention, high profile productions and big name stars. Mr Deck went on to say, " “From the range of operatic repertoire presented under his leadership to date, to the incredible opera stars now being seen and heard with the COC, he has already left an indelible mark on the culture of this city...Alexander has truly made the COC home to the best, and I look forward to the continued growth in artistic excellence that his tenure will bring.” The news is sure to please local fans, particularly the younger, hipper crowds who have begun to attend parties and openings at the Four Seasons.
Since commencing his appointment as General Director in October 2008, Neef has overseen the presentation of:
- One world premiere (The Nightingale and Other Short Fables, 2009)
- Three Canadian premieres (Maria Stuarda, 2010; Love from Afar, 2012; A Florentine Tragedy, 2012)
- Six COC premieres (Rusalka, 2009; A Midsummer Night’s Dream, 2009; Nixon in China, 2011; Orfeo ed Euridice, 2011; Iphigenia in Tauris, 2011; Semele, 2012)
- Ten new productions to the COC’s repertoire (Fidelio, 2009; A Midsummer Night’s Dream, 2009; The Nightingale and Other Short Fables, 2009; Othello, 2010; Idomeneo, 2010; Aida, 2010; The Magic Flute, 2011; Rigoletto, 2011; Love from Afar, 2012; A Florentine Tragedy/Gianni Schicchi, 2012)
Congratulations Mr. Neef. We'll see you at the Opera!
