Seattle Opera Names New Director of Education

General Director Aidan Lang announced Thursday, May 14, that Barbara Lynne Jamison Seattle Opera's Youth Programs Manager, will now serve as the company's Director of Education & Community Engagement effective immediately. Jamison, a 2014 recipient of the prestigious OPERA America Leadership Intensive Award, succeeds Sue Elliott, who has taken a position at The Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, Canada.

Since coming to work for Seattle Opera in 2011, Jamison has built new programs and expanded the company's reach to more than 25,000 youth with in-school and out-of-school programming such as camps, workshops, dress rehearsals, in-school touring programs, and opportunities for young singers to perform at events such as Seattle Opera's Frost Fest last winter.

"I am delighted to announce Barbara Lynne Jamison as Seattle Opera's new Director of Education," Lang said. "Our Education and Community Engagement programs have been marked by considerable growth over the past four years, and I am looking forward to working with Barbara to continue this momentum. Seattle Opera, and the arts in general, must serve the community if we are to flourish in the future, and Barbara will help make us achieve our goals."

Before coming to Seattle Opera in 2011, Jamison formerly served as Director of Programs, Curriculum and Artist Development with the Metropolitan Opera Guild. Last year, she received OPERA America's Leadership Intensive Fellowship, granted to 14 promising industry leaders from the U.S., Canada, and Europe, chosen through a competitive selection process. Jamison received her Bachelor's Degree in Music (Vocal Performance) from Florida International University and her Master's in Music (Vocal Performance) from the Manhattan School of Music, with doctoral studies in Music Education at Boston University. She has served throughout the U.S. as guest conductor, instructor and workshop leader. As an arts administrator, Jamison has established a proven record of effective strategic leadership, increasing breadth and depth of community impact and support, and bringing people, opportunities, and resources together with and through the arts.

"As Director of Education & Community Engagement, I look forward to expanding existing partnerships, forging new ones, and deepening arts learning and experiences for people of all ages," Jamison said.

In addition to Jamison's new post, Seattle Opera appointed Nick Malinowski as Community Programs Manager in January. Malinowski's opera talks and previews can be heard both at McCaw Hall and throughout Puget Sound at public libraries.