Opera Santa Barbara (OSB) has announced the contract renewal for artistic and general director Kostis Protopapas through the 2028-29 season.
“The three-year extension secures the ongoing leadership of the conductor and executive who has guided the company through an eventful decade, culminating in two consecutive seasons of sold-out performances,” OSB said.
Protopapas joined Opera Santa Barbara as artistic director in August 2015 and assumed the dual role of artistic and general director in December 2017.
Under his tenure, the company has forged a distinct identity built around carefully crafted productions, deep community engagement, and a repertoire that balances operatic classics with contemporary work OSB said.
“Under Kostis’ leadership, Opera Santa Barbara has become known for programming that is both adventurous and accessible,” said Nikkaëlle Burlett, the company’s board chair. “He has found a thoughtful balance between beloved repertoire and works that are less familiar, contemporary, or unexpected.
“That balance has helped build genuine enthusiasm for the company, and our expanded 26-27 Season reflects that momentum. The board is delighted that Kostis will continue to lead OSB.”
During his time at OSB, Protopapas has focused on elevating the orchestra, chorus, and production standards, building a high-performing administrative team, and shepherding the careers of local and regional artists.
Production highlights from his tenure include Massenet’s “Manon;” Tchaikovsky’s “Eugene Onegin;” and Handel’s “Semele” and “Caesar & Cleopatra;” as well as Catán’s “Il Postino;” and the California premieres of Armienta’s “Zorro and Aldridge,” and Garfein’s “Elmer Gantry.”
OSB’s upcoming 33rd season at the Lobero Theatre features Giuseppe Verdi’s “Rigoletto,” Gioachino Rossini’s “The Barber of Seville,” and Craig Bohmler’s “Riders of the Purple Sage.”
“I am grateful to the board for their confidence, to our fans for showing up the way they do, and to our donors for believing in us,” said Protopapas. “Working with the board and Team OSB over the last 10 years has been the highlight of my career, and I look forward to many more.”
Born in Athens, Greece, Protopapas studied archaeology and art history at the University of Athens before moving to the U.S. in 1993 on an Onassis Foundation scholarship.
He studied piano at The Boston Conservatory, and conducting at Boston University. Before coming to Santa Barbara, he served as artistic director of Tulsa Opera and held positions with the Lyric Opera of Chicago, LA Opera, and Santa Fe Opera.
Founded in 1994, OSB presents high-quality productions and community programs that celebrate the breadth and beauty of opera. The company performs at the Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara. For more, visit operasb.org.
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