Ian Derrer Becomes New General Director of Kentucky Opera

William A. Blodgett, Jr., President of Kentucky Opera's Board of Directors, has announced the appointment of Ian Derrer as General Director effective September 1, 2016. Derrer will be the fifth General Director in the company's 65-year history; he comes to the position from Dallas Opera, where he is Artistic Administrator and a member of the senior management team.

In making the announcement, Mr. Blodgett said, "Ian Derrer's appointment marks the successful conclusion of a national search to identify the leader whose vision, creativity, and knowledge will best guide the future development of Kentucky Opera. I want to thank the members of our search committee. Their investment of time and energy enabled us to recruit an exceptionally talented General Director for our company. Derrer brings a deep passion for sharing opera with audiences, and significant experience working with some of the leading American opera companies. We are thrilled to welcome him to Kentucky Opera."

Ian Derrer expressed his excitement about joining Kentucky Opera and his appreciation to Mr. Blodgett and the search committee.

"I look forward to becoming part of the Metro Louisville community and to building upon Kentucky Opera's rich tradition of bringing opera to audiences throughout the state of Kentucky and the region," Derrer said. "This is a time of great opportunity and creativity for opera in America. Kentucky Opera is uniquely positioned to focus that national momentum within a dynamic community that values and supports all the arts. I am honored and excited to accept this appointment."

Derrer's introduction to opera began in the children's chorus of Charlotte Opera, now Opera Carolina. His education and early career path developed talents as a singer, stage manager, and stage director. A decision to pursue opera administration led him to a position in the artistic department of New York City Opera. Derrer also worked as stage manager and rehearsal director at Santa Fe Opera, and he spent eight years with Lyric Opera of Chicago, serving as both Director of Production and Head of the Rehearsal Department. Most recently Derrer held the position of Artistic Administrator with Dallas Opera.

Ian Derrer succeeds David Roth who was General Director of Kentucky Opera from 2006 until July, 2015, when he passed away unexpectedly. Roth has been dearly missed by the Kentucky Opera family. The Brown-Forman 2015/16 Season, the last that Roth programmed, was executed by the staff of Kentucky Opera and dedicated to his memory.

Kentucky Opera will celebrate its 65th Anniversary season with a series of events in August. More details will be available in the coming week.

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About Kentucky Opera: Currently entering its 65th Anniversary Season of production, Kentucky Opera was founded in 1952 and designated the State Opera of Kentucky in 1982. Kentucky Opera's mission is to entertain and educate a broad, diverse audience by producing opera of the highest quality. Learn more about Kentucky Opera, and the Brown-Forman 2016/17 season at www.KyOpera.org. Follow Kentucky Opera on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

The Kentucky Arts Council, the State arts agency, supports Kentucky Opera with state tax dollars and federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Photo Credit: Steve Cisneros

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