Kasper Holten has written a letter to staff at The Royal Opera announcing that he will be leaving the company in March 2017. He became Director of Opera in 2011. 

In his letter, Holten reveals that he was offered a five-year contract extension to begin in 2016, but he turned it down for a seven-month extension to allow The Royal Opera to find the right successor. He also explains that the reason for his departure is to spend more time with his family: 'I love working at ROH – and with all the amazing colleagues here – and it feels very painful to let go of that in 2017. But when I moved to London, my partner and I didn’t have children. Now we do, and after much soul searching we have decided that we want to be closer to our families and inevitably that means we make Copenhagen our home where the children will grow up and go to school.'

Antonio Pappano, Music Director of The Royal Opera said: ‘Kasper Holten has been electric during his time at the Royal Opera House, demonstrating an uncanny energy, perseverance and vision for the future of our great institution. My collaboration with him on Król Roger was one of the most fruitful experiences I have had during my time at this theatre. I am very sad that he has decided he must leave, as I believe it will be a major loss for our Company, and for me personally.  I wish him and his family the very best wishes for their future. Thank you Kasper for all that you have given to the ROH.’

Alex Beard, Chief Executive of the Royal Opera House added: ‘Kasper Holten is a wonderful colleague and a good friend, and continues to bring extraordinary energy and vision as our Director of Opera. While I had very much hoped to work with him through to 2020 and beyond, I understand and respect his reasons for moving back to Copenhagen. Although sad that Kasper will be leaving, I am pleased that he has agreed to extend his contract until his new Meistersinger opens here in 2017.’