Teatro Real in Madrid has appointed Joan Matabosch as its new artistic director for a six-year term with immediate effect. He replaces Gerard Mortier, former director of Paris Opera and the Salzburg Festival, who is currently receiving treatment for cancer. Initially expected to remain as the company’s artistic director until 2016, Mortier has recently criticised its management for focusing on a Spanish appointment rather than extending its search to international candidates.

Presently artistic director of the Gran Teatre de Liceu in Barcelona, a position he has held since 1996, Matabosch has earned a reputation for the promotion of 20th century composers, collaborative projects with leading theatres and audiovisual technology. He has been president of Opera Europa since September 2008 and is a frequent judge on international competitions. He will continue to provide leadership for the Gran Teatre del Liceu until a suitable replacement is found.

Teatro Real begins its new 2013-14 opera season on September 14 with Rossini’s The Barber of Seville. Also scheduled for this season are Wolfgang Rihm’s Die Eroberung von Mexico, Purcell’s The Indian Queen, Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde, Charles Wuorinen’s Brokeback Mountain, Gluck’s Alceste and Offenbach’s Les contes d’Hoffmann.