David Bennett Named New Director of San Diego Opera

San Diego Opera has named David Bennett as new director. Bennett is formerly the executive director of Gotham Chamber Opera in New York.

In a statement, Bennett said that he was eager "to build upon the company's tradition of presenting grand opera, while exploring new ways to increase its impact within the San Diego region and beyond."

David Bennett joined the Gotham Chamber Opera as Managing Director in July, 2006 and was named Executive Director in May, 2010. He came to Gotham from Dance New Amsterdam (DNA), Lower Manhattan's center for dance education, creation, and performance, where he served as Managing Director. While at DNA, he led a $5.7 million capital campaign for DNA's new home and oversaw the organization's emergence as a significant producer of modern dance in New York City. Prior to DNA, Mr. Bennett was a Senior Consultant with Arts Resources International, where he provided a range of advisory services to non-profit arts organizations, including project feasibility studies, financial operating estimates, economic impact and market analyses, and fund-raising feasibility studies. Before working in Arts Administration, he enjoyed a successful career in opera, appearing as a baritone with a number of companies and orchestras throughout the United States, including the Dallas Opera, the Dallas Symphony, Skylight Opera Theater, and Florentine Opera of Milwaukee. Mr. Bennett holds both an M.B.A. and an M.A. in Arts Administration from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX and is Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors of OPERA America.