Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
Opera for Our Time
Speaker
David Bennett
Coordinator
Nancy Neigus
David Bennett, MA, MBA, CEO San Diego Opera
Most operas performed today were written in another century. How can an opera company like San Diego Opera produce works that address the modern era—not just a directorial update—but also works from living composers that include current events and controversial issues? What are the challenges and rewards of presenting modern opera? How has San Diego Opera’s history with modern opera prepared it for its newest production this season, Fellow Travelers?
Speaker Bio
David Bennett is the Joann Clark General Director and CEO of San Diego Opera since 2015. He stabilized the Opera as the city’s primary opera company, innovated drive-in opera during Covid, developed the Detour chamber opera series, and deployed many community-based initiatives. Previously he was Executive Director of Gotham Opera and led Dance New Amsterdam in NYC, following a career in opera as a baritone. He holds an MA and MBA in Arts Administration from Southern Methodist University
28