Opera Australia taps Hickox

Opera Australia has selected British conductor Richard Hickox as its new music director. He’ll take over from Simone Young in January 2005.

Young was here last September, conducting Los Angeles Opera’s “Girl of the Golden West,” when she learned that her Opera Australia contract was not being renewed because her vision for the company had been deemed too expensive by the board of directors.

Hickox is principal conductor of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and an associated guest conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra.