Kevin O’Hare is to become Director of the Royal Ballet when current incumbent Monica Mason retires in July 2012.
O’Hare, the current Royal Ballet Administrative Director, trained at the Royal Ballet School before dancing leading classical roles for Birmingham Royal Ballet (formerly Sadler’s Wells Royal Ballet). He has been with the Royal Ballet since 2004, when he joined as Company Manager, becoming Administrative Director in 2009.
Speaking about his appointment, O’Hare said: “This is a great honour for me. Under Monica Mason’s inspired leadership The Royal Ballet has had a great ten years. I am equally ambitious for the Company and dance in general.”
Today’s news follows Friday’s announcement that John Fulljames is to join the Royal Opera as Associate Director of Opera to work alongside new Director of Opera Kasper Holten from September, with current General Manager Cormac Simms becoming Administrative Director.
Antonio Pappano, Music Director of the Royal Opera commented: “I’m delighted that John Fulljames will be joining us in September, alongside Kasper Holten. It’s a hugely challenging time ahead. We’re continually striving to present the very best on our stages and I think with the combined energies and expertise of Kasper and John, and ably supported by Cormac Simms, audiences can expect to see some very fascinating developments building on the wonderful work of the past decade in the new theatre.”
MA