Canadian Opera Company has announced that Perryn Leech will be its new incoming General Director, effective March 1, 2021.

Leech will work on his transition alongside General Director Alexander Neef, who will be heading over to the Opéra National de Paris.

“I am so excited to be joining the Canadian Opera Company at this time of great challenge, but also great opportunity for opera,” Leech stated in a press release. “Throughout the search process, it was clear that the board is fully engaged in the evolution and growth of this brilliant company. The COC is already highly respected on the world stage and I am eager to get started with the outstanding group of creative talents that make up this wonderful company.”

Leech recently announced his departure from the Houston Grand Opera, where he remains the Managing Director until Dec. 31, 2021. He was appointed Managing Director of HGO in 2011.