Opera New Brunswick welcomes Christopher Lane as Executive Director

SAINT JOHN - Opera New Brunswick’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Christopher Lane has been appointed Executive Director.

“We are all tremendously excited that Christopher Lane has accepted this leadership role with Opera New Brunswick following a comprehensive search, attracting appli cants from across North America,” said Opera New Brunswick President Euan Strachan. “The number and quality of the appli cants is a testament to how well Opera New Brunswick is regarded in the international arts community.”

Christopher Lane has been employed by Orchestra London for the last seven years, rising to his current position as Marketing Manager. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Chamber Choir and the Executive Board of London Pro Musica Choir. During this time, Christopher has also had considerable success as an artist having appeared with Opera New Brunswick, Orchestra London and Musi cal Theatre Productions. . Christopher has a remarkable track record, and is committed to the ideals and goals of Opera New Brunswick: to bring a first class opera experience to New Brunswick while nurturing Canadian talent”.

“In Christopher we have found the right person to bring our organization to a level capable of supporting the artistic excellence achieved in our production of Tosca,” continued Strachan. “His experience, enthusiasm and knowledge are just what we need to continue on our upward path, not only in our main stage performances but also in our edu cation and community outreach programs.” Opera New Brunswick is now poised to bring La Traviata to the stage in September 2007 as the organization embarks on an even more exciting artistic future.

In accepting the position, Lane applauded Opera New Brunswick’s artistic goals and commitment to creative programming, as well as the strong support of the company’s patrons. He also recognizes that Opera New Brunswick is a vital element in our provincial cultural life by nurturing emerging New Brunswick artists. “I am delighted to join Opera New Brunswick in helping to realize the company’s future. I applaud the Board of Directors for what they have achieved throughout the last eleven years. As Executive Director, I look forward to working with them to achieve their goal of becoming a nationally recognized regional opera company.”

A native of Saint John, Mr. Lane is excited to return to his home city. “Having lived in London, Ontario for the past nine years, I take great pride in returing to ‘The Fundy City,’” he commented. “A great deal of my musical development is rooted in this city and I am honoured to be able to contribute back to the arts community in this new position.”

Lane will officially take up his position as Executive Director on December 11, 2006.