James Robinson is set to become the fifth person to lead Seattle Opera in its 61-year history. 

Starting Sept. 4, Robinson will take over as general and artistic director, succeeding Christina Scheppelmann, who will move on to Brussels’ La Monnaie/De Munt in January.

Robinson comes to Seattle after a 16-year tenure at Opera Theatre of Saint Louis (OTSL). He’s commissioned 11 world premieres and produced creative new takes on classic operas. Seattle audiences might remember his 2004 production of Carmen, which sold more tickets than any other opera in the company’s history. 

James Robinson is the next general and artistic director of Seattle Opera.

Photo by David Jaewon Oh

The 2004 production of Bizet’s Carmen.

Photo by Rozarii Lynch, courtesy of Seattle Opera

“James is widely recognized as a leading creative force in this industry,” says Jonathan Rosoff, chair of the search committee. “Between his steadfast leadership, his impressive record of innovation, and his deep knowledge of opera, we are confident that James will make an immediate impact at Seattle Opera and lead the company into an exciting and inventive new era.”

Robinson attributes his success to a community-based approach, starting with grassroots engagement. At OTSL, he co-led the New Works, Bold Voices commissioning program, collaborating with the local community to tell diverse, modern-day stories.

“Seattle is an opera town. It has opera in its DNA,” Robinson says. “I am honored to be able to build on that rich tradition.”

Robinson has a history of fostering strong donor relationships. He helped secure a $45 million legacy gift for OTSL. His arrival in Seattle brings high expectations as he takes over the opera’s $25 million budget, overseeing five mainstage productions and various community programs.

Scheppelmann, who was recently named one of Seattle magazine’s Most Influential People, has confidence in the opera’s new leader. “James has an impressive track record as a stage director and his extensive network will present tremendous opportunities for collaboration. Seattle Opera is in good hands.”

The cast of “The Barber of Seville” at Seattle Opera.

Photo by David Jaewon Oh

From left: John Marzano as Beppe, Michael Chioldi as Tonio, and Monica Conesa as Nedda in “Pagliacci” at Seattle Opera.

Photo by Philip Newton

Seattle Opera, founded in 1963, plays an important role in the region’s arts economy, employing more than 800 people in 2023. The company is also recognized for its efforts to diversify opera through its Racial Equity and Social Impact plan developed in 2019. Each year, more than 50,000 people attend the company’s performances.