conductor, effective with the 2018 season. In September 2007, OTSL named James Robinson as the company's next Artistic Director, and Timothy O'Leary to the position of Executive Director. MacKay concluded his OTSL tenure as General Director on September 30, 2008. In June 2008, OTSL named O'Leary as its third General Director, effective October 1, 2008. O'Leary concluded his OTSL general directorship on June 30, 2018. In April 2018, OTSL announced the appointment of Andrew Jorgensen as its next general director, effective July 2, 2018. In July 2020, OTSL's then-director of artistic administration, Damon Bristo, was arrested for child sex trafficking in the second degree. He was placed on unpaid leave and later resigned. In February 2022, OTSL announced simultaneously the extension of Robinson's contact as artistic director through 2026, and the appointment of Daniela Candillari as its new principal conductor, with an initial contract of 3 years. Candillari is the first female conductor to be named principal conductor of the company. In October 2022, OTSL announced an extension to Jorgensen's contract as OTSL general director through June 2028. General directors Richard Gaddes (1976–1985) Charles MacKay (1985–2008) Timothy O'Leary (2008–2018) Andrew Jorgensen (2018–present) Music directors John Nelson (1985–1988; principal conductor, 1988–1991) Stephen Lord (1991–2017) Daniela Candillari (2022–present, principal conductor) Artistic directors Colin Graham (1985–2007) James Robinson (2008–present) See also List of opera festivals References External links Opera Theatre of Saint Louis official website Opera festivals Saint Louis Culture of St. Louis Festivals in Missouri Music festivals in Missouri Music of St. Louis Tourist attractions in St. Louis 1976 establishments in Missouri Performing arts in Missouri Recurring events established in 1976