The Dallas Opera has appointed David Lomelí as the next Kern Wildenthal General Director and CEO, effective June 1, 2026.

The Boad of Directors, Chair Quincy Roberts announced the news and said, “David Lomelí is the rare leader who understands that great opera companies must honor tradition while fearlessly building for the future. He brings international artistic credibility, strategic vision, and an extraordinary ability to connect with artists, patrons, audiences, and community leaders alike.”

He continued, “Throughout this search, David distinguished himself not only through his vision for the future of opera, but through his authenticity, collaborative leadership style, and deep understanding of The Dallas Opera’s artistic mission and community impact. We are confident that he is uniquely prepared to lead this company into an exciting new era of growth and international prominence.”

Lomelí has served the Santa Fe Opera as Chief Artistic Officer and Chief Artistic Advisor for five years, as well as at the Bayerische Staatsoper as Casting Director and Head of International Partnerships and Strategy. He previously served The Dallas Opera in progressively senior artistic roles for over a decade—including founding director of the Hart Institute for Women Conductors and Artistic Consultant since 2021.

In a statement Lomelí said, “I am honored, and especially grateful to partner with a thoughtful and sensitive Board that understands both the immense challenges and extraordinary possibilities facing our art form today. I look forward to listening, learning, and building together with our magnificent orchestra, chorus, artists, and deeply passionate staff, whose dedication and spirit are the heartbeat of this company. My goal is to serve this institution, this city, and this art form with humility, ambition, and a profound sense of responsibility as we shape the next chapter of The Dallas Opera together.”

Lomelí succeeds Ian Derrer, who has served in the role for eight years; his tenure concludes on June 30, when he leaves to be General Director of the Canadian Opera Company (COC) in Toronto.