Following a tumultuous 2023 summer season, it’s perhaps with a sense of relief that Central City Opera administrators view the hiring this week of Alison Moritz as artistic director as “a pivotal moment” in the company’s history.

So said board Chair Sonny Wiegand — and Moritz agreed.

“We want to bring the (Central City) Opera House to the community, to gain their trust,” the company’s newest arrival said Thursday.

Moritz succeeds Pamela Pantos, who departed mid-season last year under a cloud of labor disputes, threatened walk-outs and bad vibes.

“Pantos was responsible for all aspects of the organization,” according to board co-chair Heather Miller.

Scott Finlay and Margaret Williams stepped in after Pantos’ exit, and continue to share administrative leadership. With the arrival of Moritz, Central City Opera hopes to be fully back on course.

Speaking by phone from Baltimore — where she’s teaching at the Peabody Conservatory — Moritz expressed her desire to develop several opera projects during her first year at Central City, overseeing this summer’s three productions and the Artists Training Program. Moritz added that her parents and sister live in Denver. She’ll also keep previous commitments with companies in Cincinnati, Santa Fe and Cooperstown, N.Y.

Starting next summer she’ll direct one of the three productions in the Opera House, and will do so each year during her tenure here (details of the 2025 season will be announced when this summer kicks off June 29 with Pirates of Penzance).

Noting that her career in opera has been dominated by directing productions around the country, Moritz views her new title as “a natural extension” from her stage career.

“Actually, I have a strong foundation in arts administration going way back. I’ve collaborated with every department, choosing casts, selecting designers and deciding repertory,” she said. “Last season I worked with the National Symphony (in Washington, D.C.) on Bernstein’s Mass.”

A native of St. Louis, Moritz was a vocal performance major at Oberlin College. But directing proved the path that called to her.

“Opera is a great adventure,” she said. “There is a sense of awe and beauty in it that is unmatched.”