FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 2/1/22
INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED CONDUCTOR JULIEN BENICHOU
TAKES THE HELM AT THE WASHINGTON OPERA SOCIETY
Washington, DC, February 1, 2022. The Washington Opera Society (WOS) announced today the appointment of Julien Benichou as its General and Artistic Director effective February 1, 2022. Maestro Benichou currently is the WOS Artistic Director. He will assume his new leadership position as WOS founder Michael Reilly steps down as WOS Executive Director to take on new challenges within the company. Assistant Artistic Director Simon Charette will become the WOS General Manager.
Hailed by New York City Ballet orchestra concertmaster Kurt Nikkanen as “one of the most interesting and accomplished conductors of his generation,” Maestro Benichou has accumulated years of valuable experience as Music Director of the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra, the Chesapeake Youth Symphony Orchestra, and the Southern Maryland Youth Symphony Orchestra. He is a sought after guest conductor in the U.S. as well as internationally with repeated invitations from the Orquestra Sinfonica do Parana in Brazil, Russian State Symphonies in both St. Petersburg and Siberia, the Free State Symphony in South Africa and the Monte Carlo Opera in Monaco.
WOS President Alexandra N. Senyi says, “We are delighted that Julien has agreed to accept this important position. Our esteemed founder and Executive Director Michael Reilly will be taking on different responsibilities but WOS leadership will continue to be in very capable hands.” Michael Reilly confides, “Knowing that my friend Julien would be taking over the leadership of the WOS made my decision to step down much easier. He has my full support and I can’t think of anyone who would be better suited to fill that position!”
Mr. Benichou expressed his excitement, saying “I am honored and elated to be leading this great company and can’t wait to get started!”
The Washington Opera Society produces operatic and other musical works in intimate settings such as embassies, ambassadorial residences and private clubs in the Washington, DC area. Its performances feature world class as well as emerging singers, orchestras and choruses and it presents both familiar and lesser known works by great composers.
Contact:
Jan Du Plain
cell (202) 486-7004
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