Current Leadership
WNO General Director, Timothy O’Leary, Artistic Director, Francesca Zambello, and Principal Conductor, Evan Rogister. Photo Credit: Elman Studio
In 2018, two new leaders were appointed for the WNO and the KCOHO. Timothy O’Leary began his tenure in the newly created position of General Director of WNO in July, 2018. Previously, O’Leary served as General Director of Opera Theater Saint Louis for ten years and currently serves as Chairman of the Board of OPERA America. In September, 2018, Evan Rogister was appointed to the position of Principal Conductor. He was a familiar face to the musicians of the KCOHO, having conducted the orchestra in three previous productions: Moby Dick, Carmen and Aida. He continued to build the orchestra while we were without a music director and was instrumental in helping us weather the pandemic. In 2024, Robert Spano was appointed Music Director, bringing with him a wealth of experience in conducting both symphonic and opera orchestras. He conducted Fidelio that fall as music director designate, assuming the full title the following year with the Marriage of Figaro at the start of WNO’s 70th anniversary season.
Music Director Robert Spano conducts a rehearsal of the Marriage of Figaro. Photo credit: Scott Suchman