Knoxville Opera has announced that General Director and CEO Jason Hardy has joined the OPERA America Board of Directors.

“Knoxville Opera has been doing great work for many years, and under Jason’s leadership the company seems destined to reach new horizons,” said Knoxville Opera Board Chair Allison Easterday in an official press release. “Jason and his team have elevated the national profile of this company in just a few years, coming out of one of the most difficult periods in a generation. His selection to the OPERA America board is well-deserved and will benefit Knoxville Opera tremendously. The best is yet to come.”

Following stints at Opera Memphis and OperaDelaware, Jason Hardy took over Knoxville Opera as General Director & CEO in July 2021. Prior to that, he had an 18-year career as an operatic bass. He is also a founding member, collaborator, and administrator for the Southeastern Festival of Song as well as a member of the Civic Action Group.