Remembering Pierre Audi: A Legacy of Opera Innovation
Pierre Audi, the Franco-lebanese opera director and stage director, passed away unexpectedly during the night of May 2-3, 2025, at the age of 67. Born on July 28, 1957, in Beirut, Audi left an indelible mark on the world of opera through his visionary approach and unwavering commitment to artistic excellence.
A Director’s Vision
Audi’s career was marked by a relentless pursuit of innovation and a deep understanding of the operatic form. His productions were known for their bold interpretations and their ability to resonate with contemporary audiences.
Rachida Dati, the French Minister of Culture, lauded Audi’s transformative impact, stating that he deeply renewed the language of opera, through his exacting standards, his freedom, and his singular vision.
She added, He leaves behind him an immense body of work, a living legacy, and an indelible mark on the operatic stage.
Key Roles and Achievements
- Artistic Director of the Netherlands Opera (1988-2018): During his tenure, Audi cultivated an enterprising and demanding program that elevated the company’s international profile.
- Artistic Director of the Park Avenue Armory (2019-2025): In New York, he continued to champion innovative and large-scale productions.
- Director of the Festival d’Aix-en-Provence: Taking the helm after his departure from Amsterdam, Audi faced significant financial challenges, responding with
extraordinary savings
and a restructuring of the festival’seconomic, artistic and financial model.
The 2025 Festival d’Aix-en-Provence
The upcoming edition of the Festival d’Aix-en-Provence, programmed under Audi’s direction, reflects his signature blend of classic and contemporary works. The festival will feature:
- Don Giovanni, conducted by Simon Rattle.
- The Nine Jewelled Deer, a chamber opera by composer Sivan Eldar, in collaboration with Indian tradition singer and poet Ganavya Doraiswamy, staged by Peter Sellars.
Notable Productions
Audi’s directorial credits include a range of critically acclaimed productions, showcasing his versatility and his commitment to both established and emerging composers:
- Penthésilée by Pascal Dusapin (2015)
- Fin de partie by György Kurtág (2018)
- L’Apocalypse arabe by Samir Odeh‑Tamimi (2021)
Embedded Content
Explore some of Audi’s influential works through these embedded links:
Soleil noir à Aix-en-Provence : L’Apocalypse Arabe à Luma Arles
