娱乐英语新闻:Placido Domingo renews contract with LA Opera

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 20 (Xinhua) -- The world-renowned tenor Placido Domingo has renewed his contract with the Los Angeles Opera, and will continue to serve as the company's Eli and Edythe Broad General Director, the company said on Monday.

By mutual consent, the contract automatically extends Domingo's role at the company through 2013, the company said in a press release.

"I must say how thrilled I am to continue leading LA Opera in the years to come," said Domingo. "As an artist who has been committed to the growth and development of LA Opera since its earliest days, I find my position here both creatively challenging and deeply rewarding, and I am proud to call this company home."

Domingo said he was proud to have taken part in the recent staging of the "Ring" cycle, calling it "one of the most important accomplishments in LA Opera's artistic legacy."

"To follow this by appearing in our coming world premiere of Daniel Catan's 'Il Postino' just shows how remarkable and ambitious LA Opera has become," he said.

"What Placido Domingo has accomplished at LA Opera has been nothing less than astonishing,"Chairman Marc I. Stern said. "He has made an exceptional mark on this city' s cultural life."

Domingo has served as artistic adviser for the opera company since it was founded, starring in its inaugural production of "Otello" in 1986. He was named artistic director in 2000 and general director in 2003.