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Andreas Mitisek is an internationally acclaimed opera conductor, stage director and designer whose innovative site-specific productions have been praised as “visually stunning,” “gripping,” “pure theatrical magic” and “among the most important operatic events of the season.” His use of unconventional venues—from underground parking garages to nightclubs—have redefined operatic presentation and attracted new audiences to the art form.

Mitisek is a native of Vienna, Austria, and joined Long Beach Opera as principal conductor in 1998, becoming Artistic and General Director in 2003. Under his leadership, the company gained national recognition for its groundbreaking site-specific productions and commitment to contemporary repertoire.

Serving simultaneously as Artistic and General Director at Chicago Opera Theater (2012-2017), Mitisek brought his innovative vision to Chicago's opera landscape, earning recognition as Chicagoan of the Year in Classical Music by the Chicago Tribune in 2014.

He served on the Board of Directors for OPERA AMERICA, the national service organization for US opera companies. He has been named by Opera News as “one of the 25 people that will be a major force in the field of opera in the coming decade.” The Chicago Reader included him in the 2013 Top 50 Chicago People. Mitisek was named LA Tastemaker by LA Times Magazine in 2009, Arts Leader of the Year by the Long Beach Arts Council in 2009 and was highlighted as one of the “2012 People” by LA WEEKLY.

Mitisek began his professional career in his homeland, serving as Artistic & Music Director of the Wiener Operntheater from 1990-1997, Austria's foremost contemporary opera company. During this period, he conducted at prestigious venues including the Wiener Volksoper, the Komische Oper in Berlin, the “Wien Modern” festival, and Vienna's renowned Konzerthaus and Musikverein.

Throughout his career, Mitisek has led over 130 productions as conductor, stage director and designer. His guest work has taken him to companies across the globe, including engagements in Spain, Tokyo and South America. In North America, he has created productions for major companies including New York City Opera, Seattle Opera, Opera Company of Philadelphia, Vancouver Opera, Austin Lyric Opera, Hawaii Opera Theater, Opera Theatre of St. Louis, Portland Opera and Anchorage Opera.

Prior to joining the faculty at Çàɬֱ²¥, Mitisek served as Director of Opera at California State University Long Beach and University of California, Irvine, where he trained the next generation of opera artists.