Lebanese Director Pierre Audi Passes Away

The theater world mourns the sudden death of Lebanese director Pierre Audi, celebrated for his transformative contributions to opera. His legacy leaves an indelible mark.

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Aix-en-Provence Festival’s Tribute

The Aix-en-Provence Festival issued a heartfelt statement, expressing deep sorrow: “With profound sadness, we mourn the sudden loss of our extraordinary director, Pierre Audi. The arts have lost a unique visionary.” His leadership elevated the festival’s global stature.

French Minister’s Praise

French Culture Minister Rachida Dati shared her grief on X, writing, “Pierre Audi dedicated his life to artistic creation, profoundly renewing opera’s language with lasting impact.” His innovative approach resonated worldwide.

A Storied Career

Born in Beirut, Audi began his career in the 1980s, driven by a passion for open-air opera. He founded London’s Almeida Theatre in a derelict building, turning it into a hub of creativity. In 2019, he became general director of the Aix-en-Provence Festival, a role renewed in 2021 until 2027. He previously led the Dutch National Opera and was set to direct Puccini’s Tosca at Paris Opera in late 2025.

Art as Resilience

Audi believed deeply in opera and musical theater’s power to transcend crises. His 2021 production of Samir Audi Tamimi’s The End of the Arab World at Aix exemplified this vision, blending artistry with cultural significance.

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