Opera Philadelphia has announced that Anthony Roth Costanzo, an American countertenor, will assume the role of General Director and President starting June 1, 2024.

At 41 years old, Costanzo plans to continue his singing career alongside his duties as General Director, making him one of the first singers to simultaneously lead a major opera company while performing on stage.

Costanzo's appointment aligns with Opera Philadelphia's forward-thinking approach, particularly its commitment to producing new works. Over the past decade, the company has staged and filmed more than 25 operas.

A recipient of a GRAMMY Award, Costanzo also holds an honorary doctorate from Manhattan School of Music, a visiting fellowship from Oxford University, and the History Makers Award from the New York Historical Society. He is also a distinguished visiting scholar at Harvard and has received numerous accolades, including the 2020 Beverly Sills Award from the Metropolitan Opera and Musical America’s 2019 Vocalist of the Year.

Costanzo has performed at prestigious venues such as the Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and San Francisco Opera, among others.

Stephen K. Klasko, Chair of Opera Philadelphia’s Board of Directors, expressed confidence in Costanzo's leadership abilities, describing him as a visionary and innovative thinker. Klasko believes Costanzo's dual role as a performer and CEO will set a new standard in the opera industry.

Costanzo expressed his deep connection to Opera Philadelphia, recalling pivotal moments in his career on its stage. He sees his new role as an opportunity to contribute to the opera tradition and help shape its future through artistic innovation and storytelling.