The Dallas Opera (DO) wrapped up this season and prepared for the next by announcing two award winners and a new board chair.
Since its start in 1957, DO has featured the talents of opera stars like Maria Callas, Dame Joan Sutherland, Plácido Domingo, Jon Vickers, Montserrat Caballé, and Clémentine Margaine.
Its current mission is not only to put on world-class performances but also to develop and nurture new artists through competitions as well as connections with the community.
Here are the recent announcements coming from DO.
New Board Chair
Quincy Roberts, CEO of Roberts Trucking Inc., was elected DO board chair — a two-year term — on June 16.
Ian Derrer, DO’s Kern Wildenthal general director and CEO, lauded Robert’s “deeply rooted passion for opera and business acumen” and expressed anticipation for what the future will hold for the organization with him at its helm, according to Broadway World.
Roberts attended his first DO performance when he was 10 years old and has spent three decades wearing an array of hats in active support of the organization.
He has served as an usher, a patron, a chorister, a trustee, a board member, and now a board chair.
One of Roberts’ greatest achievements was launching the DO’s OperaTruck to bring opera to the residents of Dallas on an 18-foot flatbed truck during the pandemic.
“The Dallas Opera had a significant impact on my life since childhood and planted a seed that continues to blossom today. Being elected as Board Chair is a true honor and I look forward to working together with our CEO, board members, staff, patrons, and community partners as we continue to redefine TDO as a world-class leader in opera on and off the stage,” Roberts said of his election in a statement, according to Opera Wire.
Debut Artist of the Year
Kangmin Justin Kim, countertenor and star of DO’s recent performance of Humperdinck’s renowned opera Hansel and Gretel, was named the 2023 Maria Callas Debut Artist of the Year.
Kim was elected by DO’s own subscribers, yet critics have long hailed his exceptional talent.
Prior to joining DO, Kim’s 2022 portrayal of Song Liling in the Santa Fe Opera’s M. Butterfly was praised by The New York Times. It noted that Kim had an “astonishing countertenor’s alluring, ringing tone” and “sensitivity as an actor.”
Kim’s breakthrough performance as Hansel can be viewed for free until July 31 through the DO’s online portal here.
As The Dallas Express previously reported, last May DO made most of its streaming content free for those who register through the site. There are still several full-length productions and family programs available for free, as well as others that can be rented at a low cost.
General Director’s Award
Susan Geyer was presented with the 2023 General Director’s Award for her work with DO and within the Dallas community this past season.
Geyer has been a trustee since 2010 and secretary of the board of directors since July 2020. She recently served as president of The Dallas Opera Guild and helped launch the Hart Institute for Women Conductors in 2015 as part of its founding committee.
She has also been a strong supporter of arts education for children and has been on the DO’s education committee since 2010.
Her notable contribution was helping launch Bravo — a program aiming to draw in new followers and volunteers.
