Vlaamse Opera was established in 1988, and is the only opera company based in Flanders, where its work is divided between two theatres. Its Antwerp home was built in 1907 and its Ghent theatre dates back to 1840.
The company was set up by Gérard Mortier, and its first General Manager from 1989 to 2009 was Marc Clémeur. Notable directors who worked with the company during these early years include David Alden, Calixto Bieito, Robert Carsen, Willy Decker, Götz Friedrich, Guy Joosten, Peter Konwitschny, Nigel Lowery and David McVicar. His successor, Aviel Cahn, introduced several co-productions with other companies such as English National Opera, Opera Graz and the Royal Danish Opera.
The Chief Conductor of the company, from January 2011, is Dmitri Jurowsky.
There has been a policy of commissioning new work, including L'intruse by Dirk d' Ase and Rumor by Christian Jost. The Rage of Life by Elena Kats-Chernin is one of a number of pieces produced for young audiences.
Vlaamse Opera is also involved in a wide range of other activities, including lectures, debates, courses and tours, aimed at cultivating a larger, younger and more diverse audience. It co-produces the biennial Opera XXI contemporary opera festival.
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