(Credit: © Elena Bauer / OnP)

Alexander Neef, General Director of the Paris Opera, has extended his contract until 2032.

The decision was made by the President of the Republic and on the proposal of the Minister of Culture Rachida Dati. Neef took office in September 2020 for a term of 6 years.

In a statement, the Elysée said, “Mr. Neef will therefore remain in office at the head of the first national lyrical and choreographic scene until 2032” and  he will continue “pursuing and amplifying all of the transformative actions that he has committed.”

Neef began his career as production manager at the Salzburg Festival and worked at the Paris Opera as a Casting Director. he assisted Gerard Mortier in preparing his programming schedule for the New York City Opera. From 2008 to 2020, he was General Director of the Canadian Opera Company where he developed co-productions with, among others, the Metropolitan Opera in New York, London’s Royal Opera House, Madrid’s Teatro Real, and the Aix-en-Provence Festival.