Dallas Opera's Ian Derrer to lead Canadian Opera Company

Derrer, the Kern Wildenthal General Director and CEO of The Dallas Opera, will become the next General Director of the Canadian Opera Company in Toronto.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Ian Derrer, the current General Director and CEO of The Dallas Opera, has announced that he will be departing the company to become the next General Director of the Canadian Opera Company (COC) in Toronto, effective July 1. Derrer has had an extensive career in the opera world, including roles at the New York City Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and Kentucky Opera, before joining The Dallas Opera in 2014 and being appointed as its General Director in 2018.

Why it matters

Derrer's departure is a significant loss for The Dallas Opera, as he has led the company through major successes, including navigating the pandemic, raising $54.5 million in six months, and commissioning and mounting multiple world premieres. However, his move to the Canadian Opera Company represents an exciting opportunity for Derrer to continue to make opera more accessible to new audiences.

The details

During his tenure at The Dallas Opera, Derrer launched thedallasopera.TV, introduced digital programming, and transformed the company's digital and social media presence. He also doubled the opera company's endowment through a successful fundraising campaign. Derrer is known for his people-centered approach to leadership and his commitment to making opera more accessible to new ticket buyers.

  • Derrer will depart The Dallas Opera and begin his new role as General Director of the Canadian Opera Company on July 1, 2026.
  • Derrer has served as the General Director and CEO of The Dallas Opera since 2018.

The players

Ian Derrer

The Kern Wildenthal General Director and CEO of The Dallas Opera, who will be the next General Director of the Canadian Opera Company in Toronto.

The Dallas Opera

The opera company in Dallas, Texas, where Derrer has served as the General Director and CEO since 2018.

Canadian Opera Company

The opera company in Toronto, Canada, which has selected Derrer to be its next General Director.

Quincy Adams

The Board Chair of The Dallas Opera.

Marcia Lewis Brown

The Chair of the Canadian Opera Company Board of Directors.

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What they’re saying

“I am truly proud of the work that we've accomplished here in Dallas, and I know that I leave this great company in a solid position for its future.”

— Ian Derrer, General Director and CEO, The Dallas Opera (nbcdfw.com)

“This is a bittersweet moment for The Dallas Opera. While we are thrilled for Ian and his new adventure, we're sorry to lose such a creative and collaborative leader.”

— Quincy Adams, Board Chair, The Dallas Opera (nbcdfw.com)

“The Search Committee was deeply moved by his integrity, curiosity, and people-centered approach to leadership. It was evident right away that Ian's values align strongly with those of the Canadian Opera Company: the understanding that success is built on collaboration and care for all who bring this art form to life.”

— Marcia Lewis Brown, Chair of the Canadian Opera Company Board of Directors (nbcdfw.com)

What’s next

The Dallas Opera will begin the search for a new General Director and CEO to replace Ian Derrer, who will depart the company on July 1, 2026.

The takeaway

Derrer's departure from The Dallas Opera represents a significant loss for the company, but his move to the Canadian Opera Company is an exciting opportunity for him to continue his work in making opera more accessible to new audiences. The Dallas Opera will need to find a strong leader to build on the successes Derrer achieved during his tenure.