Leading opera director dies at 62

The Canadian director Michael Cavanagh, Artistic Director of the Royal Swedish Opera, has died of eptomeningeal cancer in London, Ontario, at an early age.

He staged more that 150 operas in three-dozen houses.

Full obit here.

From the Don Wright Faculty of Music:
It with deepest sadness and heartbreak that I announce the passing of Michael Cavanagh, former Don Wright Faculty of Music instructor and stage director of several Opera at Western productions. Michael passed away earlier this morning from leptomeningeal carcinomatosis.
The legacy of his humanity, graciousness, humour, and artistry resounds in the hearts and memories with all those who were fortunate enough to work with and know him – and Michael was absolutely adored by his former Western colleagues and students. An internationally renowned opera director, he most recently was Director of Opera at the Royal Swedish Opera in Stockholm, Sweden, successfully leading many critically acclaimed opera productions. Michael also enjoyed long-standing and artistically compelling partnerships with the San Francisco Opera and many Canadian opera companies. But his true heart always remained at home with his family in London, Ontario, Canada.
Michael is survived by wife Jackie Short, daughter Amelia Pipher Cavanagh, grandson Alden (Bram), his mother Angela Stevens, brother Carl Cavanagh (Arlene), sister Christine Morley, step siblings Sandy Stevens (Ron de Gaust) and Brad Stevens (Hemmy) and by his in-laws, Matthew and Karen Short, Doreen Totten, Lisa Short, and many nieces and nephews who adored him.
Jackie has relayed her sincerest thanks “…to the wonderful doctors, nurses, PSWs and staff at Victoria and University Hospital and St Joseph’s Hospice during this devastating time.”
A celebration of life to be held later this spring in London, Ontario. Details will be forthcoming.