Opera Lafayette Appoints New Artistic Director Designate

Patrick Quigley will succeed Opera Lafayette's founder, Ryan Brown

Opera Lafayette, a period-instrument opera company based in Washington, D.C., has recently named Patrick Quigley as its Artistic Director Designate. Quigley's appointment follows the resignation of Ryan Brown, who founded the company in 1995 and has been its Artistic Director since that time. Brown will retire fully in mid-2025.

Quigley's tenure in the role begins immediately, and he will serve as designate until July 2025 — at which point he will assume full Artistic Directorship.

During the transitional season Quigley will conduct Edmond Dédé’s opera Morgain, ou, Le Sultan d’Isphahan. This is the first known opera by a Black American composer: Dédé was born in New Orleans, though he spent most of his career working in nineteenth-century France.

Patrick Quigley is the Founder and Artistic Director of the Miami-based vocal ensemble Seraphic Fire. He studied music theory and history from the University of Notre Dame, and then studied conducting with Marguerite Brooks at the Yale School of Music.

He has made conducting appearances with the Cleveland Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, Hamilton Philharmonic, Indianapolis Symphony, and the Orchestra of St Lukes, among others.

"It is an incredible honor to follow the revolutionary tenure of Ryan Brown and join the Opera Lafayette family as Artistic Director Designate," said Quigley. "Opera Lafayette, under the direction of Maestro Brown, has exemplified the qualities of a 21st-century arts organization."

"They have been uncompromising in artistic quality and indefatigable in creative energy, while constantly pushing the boundaries of what it means to be an historical opera company."

"Opera Lafayette fills a unique place in America’s musical life, and Quigley brings all the qualities that can broaden the importance and significance of our work," said Ryan Brown. "He is an outstanding musician and conductor with an entrepreneurial spirit."

"Moreover, he is a caring human being who understands the nature of arts organizations and the crucial role they play in enriching the lives of artists, audiences, and the public at large. I look forward to working with Patrick over the next two years and eagerly await the wonderful experiences he will bring us in the future."