Suzanne Nance To Be Wexford Festival Opera’s Next Executive Director
By David Salazar(Credit: AJ Coots)
Wexford Festival Opera has named Suzanne Nance to the position of Executive Director.
Nance, who was recently stepped down from her position at All Classical Radio after 10 years with the company, will take up her new role in January 2026, taking over for Interim Executive Direcor Loughlin Deegan.
“I am deeply honoured to join Wexford Festival Opera as Executive Director, especially as we prepare to celebrate 75 extraordinary years of artistic excellence in 2026. There is a distinct and enduring magic to Wexford—rooted in the warmth of its people and their profound commitment to the arts. The unwavering support of the local community, the Board, and the Arts Council has been essential to the Festival’s enduring success. As the home of the National Opera House, Wexford holds a cherished place not only in Ireland, but on the international stage. I am thrilled to be part of this remarkable legacy and to help amplify Ireland’s rich contributions to opera and the arts,” Nance said per an official press statement.
Nance joined All Classical Radio in 2015 and led the organization to “record-breaking listenership, launched the acclaimed International Children’s Arts Network (ICAN), and built a state-of-the-art headquarters in downtown Portland.” She is the creator of the Emmy Award-winning television series “MaineArts!” and also launched the Children’s Arts Network. She was the voice of Lyric Opera of Chicago’s internationally syndicated radio broadcast series.
“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Suzanne Nance to Wexford Festival Opera. Suzanne is a dynamic and visionary leader whose deep passion for opera and proven track record in arts leadership make her the ideal choice to guide the company into its next chapter. Under her leadership, I have every confidence Wexford Festival Opera will continue to thrive and grow,” added Paul Cleary, Chairman of the Board of Wexford Festival Trust.
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