Alexander Neef to become Paris Opera director in 2021-22

Alexander Neef has been hired to succeed Stephane Lissner as director of the Paris Opera starting with the 2021-22 season.

The 45-year-old Neef, whose hiring was announced Wednesday, has been general director of the Canadian Opera Company since June 2008. He became artistic director of the Santa Fe Opera in February 2018.

Neef was head of casting of the Paris Opera from August 2004 to September 2008. He was scheduled to join Gerard Mortier’s staff at the New York City Opera before Mortier quit in November 2008, before he was to officially start for the 2009-10 season.

Born in Germany, Neef also has worked at the Ruhrtriennale and spent two seasons at the Salzburg Festival as a production manager under Mortier.