In January 2012, Christie was announced as the next music director of Minnesota Opera. In parallel, he concluded his Phoenix Symphony tenure in 2013, at which time he took the title of music director laureate, for a three-season term.
In January 2012, Christie was appointed as the new music director of the Minnesota Opera.  At the same time, he finished his tenure with the Phoenix Symphony in 2013 and took on the title of music director laureate for a three-year term.