David Lomelí Appointed General Director And CEO Of The Dallas Opera
Lomelí returns to TDO after roles at Santa Fe Opera and Bayerische Staatsoper.
David Lomelí has been appointed as The Dallas Opera's next Kern Wildenthal General Director and CEO, effective June 1, 2026.
“David Lomelí is the rare leader who understands that great opera companies must honor tradition while fearlessly building for the future. He brings international artistic credibility, strategic vision, and an extraordinary ability to connect with artists, patrons, audiences, and community leaders alike,” said Board Chair Quincy Roberts.
He continued, “Throughout this search, David distinguished himself not only through his vision for the future of opera, but through his authenticity, collaborative leadership style, and deep understanding of The Dallas Opera's artistic mission and community impact. We are confident that he is uniquely prepared to lead this company into an exciting new era of growth and international prominence.”
Lomelí returns to The Dallas Opera (TDO) in this new role after serving at the Santa Fe Opera as Chief Artistic Officer and Chief Artistic Advisor for five years, as well as at the Bayerische Staatsoper as Casting Director and Head of International Partnerships and Strategy. He previously served The Dallas Opera in progressively senior artistic roles for over a decade—including founding director of the Hart Institute for Women Conductors, which received the International Opera Awards' Equal Opportunities & Impact Award in 2025—and has continued as Artistic Consultant since 2021.
Known for bridging artistic excellence with strategic and financial leadership, Lomelí has managed budgets ranging from $15 million, developed international co-production partnerships that generated new revenue streams, and cultivated relationships with global corporate and cultural partners. He is a founding member of OPERA America's Diversity Initiative and a frequent speaker on artistic leadership and talent development.
An eight-member search committee, composed of TDO board and artistic leadership, partnered with Arts Consulting Group (ACG) to lead the search process and assist with international candidate outreach and evaluation.
Lomelí succeeds Ian Derrer, who has served in the role for eight years; his tenure concludes on June 30, when he leaves to be General Director of the Canadian Opera Company (COC) in Toronto.
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