Episode 196. Ian Derrer – former General Director, Kentucky Opera (2016-2018)
Ian Derrer leads the Kentucky Opera, fueled by a lifelong love of opera.
Ian became the fifth general director in Kentucky Opera history in 2006.
He led the organization in its mission to entertain and educate a broad and diverse audience by producing high-quality operas.
He joined the organization after serving as an artistic administrator and a member of Dallas Opera’s senior management team.
Bitten by the opera bug as a young child, Ian has worked with opera companies throughout the U.S. and in Italy.
His experience serving operas in Dallas, New York, Santa Fe, and Charlotte has allowed him to learn from leading general directors in the field.
Their lessons on fundraising, audience development, branding, and community involvement give him a unique advantage.
Ian’s prior experience includes working as a scheduling coordinator for the International Institute of Vocal Arts in Chiari, Italy, and interning at Columbia Artists Management, Inc., in Ronald A. Wilford’s office.
He received master’s degrees in opera production, voice, and performing arts management from Northwestern University and Brooklyn College.
He also completed a Bachelor of Music in voice performance from the Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University.
In 2018, Ian, a prominent figure in the opera world, continues to serve as The Dallas Opera’s general director and CEO.
His career in opera began with a deep passion for singing, cultivated from a young age by his exposure to opera through his parents, who were involved in the Charlotte Opera chorus.
Derrer’s early experience in opera included performing minor roles in productions, sparking a lifelong connection to the art form.
He pursued formal education in voice performance at Southern Methodist University. He later expanded his expertise with master’s degrees in production and performing arts management from Brooklyn College and Northwestern University. His early professional experiences included production, stage management, and administration roles at various opera companies, including Lyric Opera of Chicago and Santa Fe Opera.
Before joining The Dallas Opera, Derrer served as the General Director of the Kentucky Opera from 2016 to 2018. Under his leadership at The Dallas Opera, Derrer has overseen the organization’s organizations, increased community engagement, and helped maintain financial stability. He has also led the company through challenging times, including the COVID-19 pandemic, during which he successfully launched the digital platform the Dallas Opera. TV, expanding the opera’s reach of opera’s audiences.
Derrer’s commiDerrer’s diversity, inclusion, and innovative programming have been hallmarks of his leadership.
He has made significant strides in attracting new audiences to opera.