The Dallas Opera is preparing to say farewell to Ian Derrer. The Kern Wildenthal General Director and CEO recently announced he will become the General Director of the Canadian Opera Company (COC) in Toronto on July 1.
“I am truly proud of the work that we’ve accomplished here in Dallas, and I know that I leave this great company in a solid position for its future,” said Derrer. “I am so very fortunate to have been able to work with a board, staff, and community that deeply loves opera, especially our music director, Emmanuel Villaume. While I look forward to this new opportunity with COC, I offer my sincerest gratitude and admiration to everyone at TDO and to the generous arts community in North Texas.”
Derrer’s experience in the opera world is expansive. He is a trained baritone with degrees from Brooklyn College, Northwestern University, and Southern Methodist University, who worked as a stage manager and assistant director before being appointed as the rehearsal and music coordinator for the New York City Opera in 2004. He worked at Lyric Opera of Chicago for eight years, serving as director of production and head of the rehearsal department. In 2014, Derrer became artistic administrator of The Dallas Opera. He served as the General Director of the Kentucky Opera from 2016-2018. Derrer returned to The Dallas Opera as its General Director and CEO in 2018.
“This is a bittersweet moment for The Dallas Opera,” said Quincy Adams, The Dallas Opera’s Board Chair. “While we are thrilled for Ian and his new adventure, we’re sorry to lose such a creative and collaborative leader. His tenure with the company has been marked by great successes, including the recent fundraising campaign, which has strengthened our fiscal position. We are grateful for his dedication to advancing opera in North Texas, and we wish him well.”
His tenure at The Dallas Opera has been eventful, making it hard for Derrer to pick one highlight.
“It’s hard to narrow down, but I would have to say navigating the pandemic and resurging with artistic excellence that helped build the momentum for our recent $54.5M fundraising campaign,” Derrer said.
When the global pandemic forced the cancellation of live performances in 2020, Derrer led the launch of thedallasopera.TV, introducing a worldwide audience to an extensive selection of digital programming and transforming The Dallas Opera’s digital and social media footprint. Derrer also raised $54.5 million in six months and doubled the opera company’s endowment. He commissioned and mounted multiple world premieres, including the recent production of Joby Talbot and Gene Scheer’s The Diving Bell and the Butterfly. His experience at The Dallas Opera has reshaped him as an arts leader.
“It helped me learn to be a better listener – to our audiences, our staff, and our board,” Derrer said.
In its announcement of Derrer’s appointment, the Canadian Opera Company explained why Derrer was selected as its next leader.
“The Search Committee was deeply moved by his integrity, curiosity, and people-centered approach to leadership. It was evident right away that Ian’s values align strongly with those of the Canadian Opera Company: the understanding that success is built on collaboration and care for all who bring this art form to life,” said Marcia Lewis Brown, Chair of the Canadian Opera Company Board of Directors.
Derrer is eager to continue to make the artform more accessible, this time in Canada.
“My personal goal is to help make going to the opera an attractive and easy decision for new ticket buyers – fewer obstacles and preconceived notions – so that one attends as spontaneously as they would a movie or sporting event,” Derrer said.
Learn more: The Dallas Opera
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