Esteemed Australian director Elijah Moshinsky, who was particularly celebrated for his work in opera at the world’s leading opera houses, but who also directed theatre and television, has died.

Moshinsky reportedly had a fall at his home in London and was taken to hospital where he contracted COVID-19. He died on 14 January, just days after turning 75.

Elijah MoshinskyElijah Moshinsky. Photograph © Jeff Busby

Moshinsky had  a special relationship with both the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden and Opera Australia. In February 2019, he was awarded Opera Australia’s highest honour, the Opera Australia Trophy. First presented to Dame Joan Sutherland in 1990, the Trophy was awarded to Moshinsky in recognition of his long service to the company and his important contribution to the Australian operatic landscape.

It had been hoped that the Trophy would be presented to Moshinsky in person as he was scheduled to direct a revival of his OA production of Werther starring American tenor Michael Fabiano and Russian mezzo-soprano Elena Maximova. However, heart problems prevented him flying to Sydney.

Receiving the news that he had been honoured with the Trophy Moshinsky said: “When I left Australia to continue my studies...