The New Orleans Opera board of directors and staff announced the passing of General and Artistic Director Emeritus, Maestro Robert Lyall, on January 5, 2024. Highly regarded as a beacon in the world of music, Maestro Lyall valiantly battled cancer since April 2023, facing complications in recent weeks.

Lyall left an indelible mark on the world of opera. His professional journey began with a triumph at the American Symphony Orchestra League’s National Conducting Competition, followed by mentorship under Dr. Richard Lert at the Shenandoah Valley Music Festival and studying with the esteemed conductor Kyril Kondrashin in Amsterdam.

With support from the Fulbright and Woodrow Wilson Fellowship Foundations, Lyall earned his Ph.D., and refined his artistic vision. During his career he lead six institutions: the Victoria Symphony; the Oak Ridge Symphony; the Knoxville Opera; Mississippi Opera; Opera Grand Rapids; and, culminated his career with an extraordinary 23 seasons at the New Orleans Opera from 1998 to 2021.

Lyall’s musical prowess resonated globally, from Carnegie Hall to stages in Russia, Italy, Spain, Mexico, the Netherlands, and Turkey. As Principal Guest Conductor for the Istanbul State Opera, he built cultural bridges through the universal language of music. Recognized for his impact, Lyall was knighted by the French government in 2017, receiving the prestigious “Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters” for his active involvement with New Orleans’ French Consulate.

His deep commitment to the New Orleans Opera and the community at large will be remembered fondly.

Our deepest condolences and thoughts go out to his family, friends, and all those whose lives were enriched by this extraordinary man. This article will be updated with details as they become available.