He replaces Gerard Mortier, former director of Paris Opera and the Salzburg Festival, who is currently receiving treatment for cancer. This is  a six-year term with immediate effect, initially expected to remain as the company’s artistic director until 2016, Mortier has recently criticised its management for focusing on a Spanish appointment rather than extending its search to international candidates.

Presently artistic director of the Gran Teatre de Liceu in Barcelona, a position he has held since 1996, Matabosch has earned a reputation for the promotion of 20th century composers, collaborative projects with leading theatres and audiovisual technology. He has been president of Opera Europa since September 2008 and is a frequent judge on international competitions. He will continue to provide leadership for the Gran Teatre del Liceu until a suitable replacement is found.