Edmonton Opera announced yesterday that General Director Tim Yakimec will depart from the company, effective June 30, 2021.
Tim Yakimec took over EO in 2013; under his tenure, the company has positioned itself in good financial shape, and offered Albertan audiences some of opera’s much-loved and lesser-performed works, like Strauss’s Elektra, Donizetti’s Maria Stuarda, and March/Bouchard’s Les feluettes. EO’s pandemic output included free online programming, a cable TV special, and 11 drive-in concerts performed from the roof of Edmonton’s Jubilee Auditorium.
“I want to extend a heartfelt thank you for making my years associated with Edmonton Opera so special,” said Yakimec in a statement to Edmonton Opera’s board and staff. “I feel this is an ideal time to explore new challenges, as the company is in a very good financial position. With next season’s plans secure, this is the opportune time for the Board and Staff to continue developing strategies for future growth as well as expand community engagement. This will be an exciting new chapter for both Edmonton Opera and myself.”
Additional plans will be announced by Edmonton opera in the coming weeks.
“It has been an honour to have served as General Director,” added Yakimec, “and now, it is time for the next adventure for us all.”
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.
