Blackwater Valley Opera Festival (BVOF) has appointed Dermot O’Callaghan as executive director, effective January 2027.

O’Callaghan has been chief executive of Sing Ireland, the national organization for group singing in Ireland, since 2013. He led its transition from the Association of Irish Choirs to Sing Ireland in 2019. He has also worked with Opera Theatre Company and with Chamber Choir Ireland and has also worked as a choral and orchestral conductor, musical director and teacher, and he is president of the European Choral Association.

Festival Director Eamonn Carroll is leaving after 10 years with BVOF, including three years on the board and seven as festival director. He will become development and alumni manager at South East Technological University in Waterford.

“I am delighted to announce the appointment of Dermot O’Callaghan as our new Executive Director. He will join us in January 2027 after completing his notice period as Chief Executive of Sing Ireland. Dermot brings a wealth of experience, and we are confident that he will help drive BVOF’s ambitions forward,” Patrick Howett, Chair of Blackwater Valley Opera Festival, said, per an official press release.

Additionally, the festival appointed Annette O’Kelly as producer, succeeding Conleth Stanley, and Ann-Marie Ahearne as education and community co-ordinator. Both begin in October 2026. O’Kelly began her career in film before moving into television, advertising and festivals, and she joined the Borris Festival of Writing and Ideas in 2017.