Today, Seattle Opera made an announcement regarding General Director Christina Scheppelmann's new appointment as General Director of La Monnaie/De Munt in Brussels, Belgium. Scheppelmann will assume her new role after completing her five-year contract with Seattle Opera.

Christina Scheppelmann, the fourth General Director of Seattle Opera, will conclude her tenure after the 2023/24 season. During her time as General Director, she has overseen notable achievements such as the production of a world premiere, the initiation of essential programs, the expansion of community partnerships, and the introduction of over 100 new artists to Seattle for their company debuts, with nearly 50 artists coming from abroad.

Expressing her sentiments, Scheppelmann stated, "Leading Seattle Opera has been an incredible opportunity. The company has an exceptional staff, orchestra, chorus, and crew, along with a supportive audience, all of whom I will deeply miss. I have grown fond of this city and the opera community in this region, which has embraced me wholeheartedly. The chance to lead one of Europe's prestigious opera companies while being closer to my family is an opportunity I couldn't turn down. However, for now, there is still much work to be done and more opera to be presented in the upcoming year. I am excited to share what we have in store."

La Monnaie/De Munt, known as the National Opera of Belgium, stages eight mainstage operas each season with an annual budget exceeding $60 million. The company, which comprises a full-time orchestra and chorus, traces its origins back to the first public opera theater in Brussels in 1700 and has since become one of the most influential artistic institutions in Europe. Scheppelmann will assume the position currently held by General & Artistic Director Peter de Caluwe, who has been in that role since 2007.