New Michigan Opera Theatre Artistic Director Brings Fresh Vision for Detroit Institution

For the better part of five decades the name David DiChiera was synonymous with the Michigan Opera Theatre.

“Opera can remind us that within our everyday lives there is constant potential.” — Yuval Sharon, Michigan Opera Theatre

It was his artistic vision that created and sustained MOT’s identity until he retired in 2017 before his death. Since then it has been an open question what direction the company would take and who would lead it artistically. Michigan Opera Theatre announced yesterday Yuval Sharon has come on board as its new artistic director. Sharon has a reputation as a visionary and a risk taker in the opera world.  

Listen: Yuval Sharon announced as the new artistic director of Michigan Opera Theatre.  

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Yuval Sharon, new artistic director of Michigan Opera Theatre, says that he hopes to both continue and renew his predecessor’s connection to the Detroit community. Part of this mission means navigating around the constraints of a pandemic and translating opera to a contemporary audience.

“It’s a time to truly embrace the opportunity for change, I think this is a moment where the window of transformation is really open,” says Sharon. In an effort to innovate, Sharon says he plans to hold performances in the Opera Theatre’s parking center. He hopes this move will allow audiences to safely enjoy opera and also experience the art form in a new way. “Opera can remind us that within our everyday lives there is constant potential. Art awakens us to that notion,” says Sharon.