Opera Queensland today announced Dr Sally Pitkin will conclude her appointment as Chair at the end of September with Deputy Chair Emeritus Professor David Siddle stepping into the role. Kim Challenor will become the new Deputy Chair.

Dr Pitkin has chaired Opera Queensland since September 2016 leading the company during the renewal of the leadership team and the recent funding uplift from the Queensland and Federal Governments, which will support the Company’s return to three annual mainstage productions in Brisbane from 2019, and invest in new capabilities.

Dr Pitkin said she was proud of Opera Queensland’s continued success.  “It has been an honour to work with the Board and senior leadership team to enrich Queensland life through this extraordinary artform.”

Opera Queensland’s new Chair, Emeritus Professor David Siddle, has been a director since 2014, and Deputy Chair since September 2016. He is presently Chair of the Board of Queensland’s Translational Research Institute.

Professor Siddle said, “It has been a pleasure to be a member of the Board with Sally during this time of transition and to see Opera Queensland shape itself as an opera company for the future.”

The Board is also pleased to announce the appointment of Daniel Tobin as a Director of the Company. Daniel co-founded the internationally renowned Brisbane based United Art Projects (UAP) where he is the Creative Director.

CEO and Artistic Director Patrick Nolan, who is preparing to launch his first full program for Opera Queensland, said it has been a great privilege to work with Dr Pitkin.

“Sally’s clarity, vision and commitment has been instrumental in positioning Opera Queensland as a vital part of the local and national arts scene,” said Mr Nolan.

“I look forward to working with David, Kim and Daniel, and the rest of the Board, to make opera an integral part of Queensland life.”

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For more information please contact Agency North:  Jaishri Johnstone | johnstone@agencynorth.com.au | 0404 188 615