Following last month’s news that Tim Yakimec would step down as General Director, Edmonton Opera has announced Richard Cook as the company’s Interim General Director.
Cook’s appointment will run for a maximum of seven months, during which he will lead company operations, and offer assistance to the Board in their search for new leadership.
Richard Cook comes to Edmonton Opera with experience in music and fundraising, and a history with the EO Board, including a term as Board Chair. His is the former Dean of Performing, Visual and Communication Arts at Edmonton’s MacEwan University, and he is the 2018 recipient of the National Opera Directors Recognition Award by the Association for Opera in
Canada for his service to Edmonton Opera.
“COVID has created huge challenges for every arts organization in Canada,” Cook says. “I am looking forward to working with our talented Management Team and Board to launch the company back into full operation, as well as to aid in the selection of a new company General/Artistic Director.”
Jenna is the editor and co-creator of Schmopera. She also writes for The Globe and Mail and Opera Canada. She’s a pianist and vocal coach, and working with singers is how she fell in love with opera.
