Pittsburgh Opera has announced that the organization has hired Steven Grair as its new Director of Production, and Rebekah Diaz as their Manager of Community Engagement and IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility) Initiatives.

Griar will bring to the role his experience as Director of Production for Sarasota Opera, as well as a Technical Director at Texas State University, and Production Manager at Opera San Antonio.

“Relocating and changing jobs during a global pandemic might appear risky, but this opportunity was too good to pass up. I have always admired Pittsburgh Opera’s commitment to performing a diverse repertoire, with new works and productions, in multiple venues. I am excited to help Pittsburgh Opera emerge from COVID and perform for live audiences again,” Griar stated in a press release.

Diaz is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University and the Manhattan School of Music. She is the founder of Diaz Inclusion Consulting, which provides IDEA solutions to various organizations.

“We are thrilled to have Rebekah aboard,” says Pittsburgh Opera General Director Christopher Hahn. “She is the right person to help take our community engagement efforts to the next level. And her dedication to IDEA principles will help Pittsburgh Opera achieve the continual improvement in these areas which is important to our organization.”