The Board of Scottish Opera has announced that it is now in a position to launch a search for a new Music Director to replace Sir Richard Armstrong who is to stand down after 12 years in the role. The new Music Director will be responsible for maintaining and building on the Company's world-class reputation for excellence, creativity, nurturing prodigious talent and for leading the Company forward.

Since it was founded in 1962 by Sir Alexander Gibson, Scottish Opera has achieved critical acclaim for the quality and breadth of its productions and has won a number of awards. In the last nine years Scottish Opera has commissioned first operas from James Macmillan (Ines de Castro 1996), David Horne (Friend of the People 1999), Sally Beamish (Monster 2002) and Julian Evans (Scottish Opera's first opera for children The Minotaur 2004).

William Taylor, Chairman of Scottish Opera said: "The Board are looking for someone with passion, insight and musical talent who has the ability to be a strong and dynamic leader. We believe this wonderful Company of ours deserves the best musician and conductor who can lead us musically and creatively into the future.

"Scottish Opera's reputation for giving directors and designers the opportunities to create lively and inventive productions means that we are able to attract artists and creators of high national and international standing. 

"The Company has a high artistic reputation from the main stage to the smallest of touring projects, and will welcome the inspiration of a new and creative Music Director," he added.

This will be the fourth Music Director to be employed by Scottish Opera since it was founded. Previous Directors were: Sir Alexander Gibson (1962 - 1986), John Mauceri (1986 - 1993) and Sir Richard Armstrong.