Richard Mills withdraws from ‘The Ring’

Opera Australia announced today that Richard Mills who was to conduct the inaugural Melbourne Ring Cycle at the end of 2013 has withdrawn from the project. Here is the statement in full from Opera Australia:

“Opera Australia has today announced that Richard Mills, conductor of the Melbourne Ring Cycle, is withdrawing from the project.

Artistic Director Lyndon Terracini said Opera Australia regrets but also respects Mills’ decision to resign. “Richard has a long and distinguished career with Opera Australia and we look forward to working with him again in the future and wish him continued success. I would also like to thank Richard for the outstanding work he has done on this project to this point,” said Terracini.

In making his decision Mills said, “To achieve artistic success the chemistry between cast and conductor needs to be of a certain vibrancy and character. Unfortunately the necessary unity of vision for this piece on this occasion was not achieved. It is a matter of personal chemistry which cannot be planned for and which sometimes doesn’t happen despite the best intentions of all concerned. Therefore in the interests of an outstanding cast and production, and after a great deal of thought, I have decided to withdraw. I have been completely supported by the team at Opera Australia at all times and this decision is mine alone. I wish the project the great success I am sure it will achieve as a landmark event in the history of opera in Australia.”