Boston Lyric Opera Names New Music Director

After two years without a permanent music director, Boston Lyric Opera (BLO) has announced its new hire: conductor David Angus.

Angus has worked internationally with opera organizations and orchestras of all sizes, including the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the BBC Philharmonic and the Canadian Opera Company. Currently, he is the music director of Glimmerglass Opera in Coopertown, N.Y.

This past April, the in-demand conductor lead the BLO's production of "Idomemeo, re di Creta."

In a statement released Thursday, BLO General and Artistic Director Esther Nelson said, “It quickly became apparent during our recent 'Idomeneo' that David demonstrated terrific synergy with our Orchestra and Chorus."

Nelson said Angus will be primarily responsible for the orchestra, but will also be involved with selection of repertoire, singers, guest conductors and other artists.

For his part, Angus said, “I felt so much at home in the company and in Boston that I didn't hesitate for a second when I was invited to become the music director. I believe that the company already has great potential to grow, and, under Esther Nelson's inspired leadership, I am confident that the future will be very exciting. I can't wait to be a part of this, and I am looking forward with the greatest of enthusiasm to returning to work with the company in this new capacity.”

Angus will begin in Boston for the BLO's 2010-2011 season, but won't take the podium until April 2011. A line-up of guest conductors was already in place when he accepted his new position.

Angus's first BLO performance will be a production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream."