General Director, Ian Derrer, returned to The Dallas Opera from Kentucky Opera, where he spent two seasons as General Director. His love of opera began as a member of the children’s chorus in Tosca for Charlotte Opera, now Opera Carolina. Mr. Derrer received a Bachelor of Music in voice performance from the Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University.  He worked as a freelance assistant director and stage manager for Santa Fe Opera, Atlanta Opera, Opera Carolina, Opera Pacific, and Washington Opera, learning opera production from the ground up.

Mr. Derrer completed master’s degrees in opera production, voice, and performing arts management from Northwestern University and Brooklyn College. During the summers of 2001-2003 he was the scheduling coordinator for the International Institute of Vocal Arts in Chiari, Italy and in 2004 he was orchestra manager for Sinfonia Orchestra at the Aspen Music Festival and School.

In 2004, Mr. Derrer joined the staff of New York City Opera as rehearsal and music coordinator. Two years later, he moved to Lyric Opera of Chicago, starting as rehearsal administrator and moving up to director of production and head of the rehearsal department. He spent eight seasons at Lyric Opera of Chicago, with one summer as rehearsal director for Santa Fe Opera, before becoming artistic administrator of The Dallas Opera in 2014.