Opera Theatre of Saint Louis (OTSL) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Patricia Racette as the company’s new Artistic Director, effective October 1, 2025. This appointment follows a rigorous international search conducted by the Catherine French Group. Racette, an internationally acclaimed soprano, master teacher, and lauded stage director, has served as the head of Opera Theatre’s Young Artist Programs since 2019.  

Racette’s transition to the role of Artistic Director comes at a pivotal moment, as Opera Theatre celebrates its 50th Festival Season and looks to its next 50 years. A leader in its field, Opera Theatre — which was hailed by the Chicago Tribune as “the go-to summer festival for audience members seeking interesting, varied repertory” — is best known for artistic excellence, ground-breaking world premieres, and a deep commitment to cultivating the next generation of opera professionals onstage, backstage, and offstage.

Widely recognized as one of this era’s preeminent singing actresses, Racette made important early career appearances at Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, first as Donna Elvira in Don Giovanni (1993) and then as Iphigenia in Iphigenia In Tauris (1994). Since then, Racette has appeared on the world’s most important stages, including the Metropolitan Opera, Royal Opera House, Paris Opera, Teatro alla Scala, Bayerische Staatsoper, San Francisco Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Houston Grand Opera, and many more. She has also originated roles in numerous world premieres, working closely with today’s leading composers and librettists. Her many honors include an Opera News Award, the prestigious Richard Tucker Award, and the Marian Anderson Award. She also received the 2017 Grammy Award for Best Opera Recording for her performance in the Los Angeles Opera’s production of The Ghosts of Versailles.

In 2018, Racette first stepped into the director’s chair, helming a new production of La traviata at Opera Theatre of Saint Louis. Since then, she has become increasingly in demand as a stage director known for a collaborative, artist-driven approach. Racette is a repeat winner of the St. Louis Theater Circle Awards, having received two “Outstanding Achievement in Opera” awards for La traviata (2018) and La voix humaine (2021), the latter of which she both starred in and directed. Her 2023 production of Carlisle Floyd’s Susannah also won the 2024 St. Louis Theater Circle Award for “Outstanding Production of an Opera.”

“Over the course of her career, Patricia has stood at the pinnacle of the opera world — singing the most demanding roles at the most prestigious houses, always with extraordinary artistry and precision,” said Andrew Jorgensen, General Director of Opera Theatre. “Excellence and passion are her calling cards. But she’s also a mentor, a teacher, and an inspiring leader. In her years leading the Young Artist Programs, we have seen just how deeply Patricia understands Opera Theatre’s mission of identifying young talent and launching exciting careers. She has a unique capacity to identify and nurture excellence, because she has lived that journey. As Patricia steps into this larger role to help us envision a bold future, I am confident she will continue to inspire and support the very best in everyone who comes through our doors, leading to powerful, new productions at OTSL and ultimately strengthening the field of opera.”

In her new role, Racette will report to and partner closely with General Director Andrew Jorgensen, leading a talented artistic team that includes Principal Conductor Daniela Candillari as well as the staff of Opera Theatre’s Artistic Administration and Production departments. In addition to curating the programming, casting, and execution of Opera Theatre’s festival season and year-round events, she will also continue to lead the company’s Young Artist Programs, ensuring that the mentorship of artists at all levels of their careers and from all backgrounds remains central to OTSL’s work. As Artistic Director, Racette will spend even more time in St. Louis year-round as she deepens her involvement with the local community, partner organizations, and audiences. Her engagement as Artistic Director is generously supported through 2026 by Tim and Robin Wentworth. 

“I am deeply honored to step into this new chapter with Opera Theatre of Saint Louis,” said Patricia Racette. “This company has long been a place where emerging artists — not just singers, but directors, designers, artisans, administrators, and so many others — can hone their talents and launch major careers. Opera Theatre is also a company that has never been afraid to take artistic risks, and as a result, world-class productions originate here that go on to stages around the country. I look forward to continuing and expanding that legacy by helping to curate programming that reflects our common humanity, incorporates new voices, and embodies the spirit of excellence that defines OTSL. I want every company member who walks through our doors to feel seen, supported, and challenged to be their very best.” 

Racette will immediately begin shaping OTSL’s artistic vision as Artistic Director Designate, and step fully into her new role in October 2025. She succeeds previous Artistic Directors James Robinson (2009–2024) and Colin Graham (1985–2007). In future seasons, she will continue to direct certain productions, program operas and events, support the development of new works, coach and mentor opera practitioners of all types, and play a vital role in charting the artistic trajectory of one of America’s leading opera companies. 

Opera Theatre’s 50th Festival Season opens on May 24 and runs through June 29, offering new stagings of Die Fledermaus, Don Pasquale, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and the world premiere of This House by Ricky Ian Gordon, Lynn Nottage, and Ruby Aiyo Gerber. For more information, visit ExperienceOpera.org.