Dominique Meyer, previously the Director of Milan's La Scala, has been appointed as the new Executive Director of Switzerland's Orchestre de Chambre de Lausanne (OCL). Starting from July 15, 2024, Meyer will assume this role alongside Julie Mestre, who will be the orchestra's new Director of Operations.

Meyer's departure from La Scala was notable due to some controversy, as he is among several non-Italian directors of Italian opera houses who may have faced changes amidst a nationalist shift under Giorgia Meloni, Italy's far-right Premier.

Upon Meyer's departure, Fortunato Ortombina was appointed as his successor at La Scala, a move noted by Italy's culture minister as a return to Italian leadership after several foreign directors.

Meyer brings extensive experience to Lausanne, having previously served as Director of the Opera in the city from 1994 to 1999 and as a founding board member of the OCL. Apart from La Scala, he has also led the Théâtre des Champs Élysées and the Wiener Staatsoper.

Edgar Phillipin, President of the OCL, expressed satisfaction with Meyer and Mestre joining the orchestra, highlighting Meyer's established reputation and the potential synergy with Mestre and Renaud Capuçon, the artistic director, to meet the orchestra's challenges and ambitions.

Meyer himself expressed great enthusiasm about returning to Lausanne and collaborating with Mestre, Capuçon, and the entire orchestra, emphasizing his commitment to serving the audience and supporting the orchestra's artistic endeavors.

Overall, Meyer's appointment signals an exciting new chapter for the Orchestre de Chambre de Lausanne, with expectations of enhanced management quality and artistic influence.