Effective July 1, 2020 Knoxville Opera is pleased to welcome Jason Hardy as its Interim Executive Director. After a nationwide search, the Knoxville Opera Board, Executive Director Search Committee, Board Chair Trey Coleman and Chair-elect Eden McNabb Bishop are excited to have Jason Hardy on board for the 2020-2021 Season. Jason was selected for the position from a strong group of applicants based on his collaborative spirit and creative fundraising strengths, as well as his experience as Chief Advancement Officer at Opera Memphis and as Managing Director at OperaDelaware.
Maestro Brian Salesky will continue as the company’s Artistic Director, after previously holding the titles of both Executive Director and Artistic Director for the past 15 years. Eden McNabb Bishop explains, “The Company has long wanted to make these two separate positions. It is thanks to Brian and his strong fiscal leadership that we are able to make this move even in light of the Covid-19 situation. We feel that Jason is focused on the future and will work to strengthen Knoxville Opera’s community presence and contributions beyond the walls of the opera house. Hardy is also, much like the Maestro, strongly dedicated to outreach and education. That sounds like a perfect partnership to me.”
Maestro Salesky commented “I am looking forward to welcoming Jason Hardy to the Knoxville Opera family and supporting him in expanding our company’s service to the community.”
“I am excited about Knoxville Opera’s potential to advance an art form that positively impacts the way we connect and engage with each other and with our community. I am committed to building upon the foundations of success that Knoxville Opera has achieved over the years, with a focus on the company’s artistic vitality and its role as an authentic, innovative, and collaborative civic asset,” says Hardy.
Hardy began his career as an operatic bass-baritone but always had an eye towards business. He received his BA in Music from Emory University. While there he also completed a 2-year independent study and thesis on “The Business of Music” in collaboration with the Bachelor of Business Administration Degree program. Hardy went on to earn his Masters of Music at The Peabody Conservatory where he also received an Artist Diploma in Vocal Performance. His passion for the art form became a desire to see regional opera not just succeed but thrive and he began his work in opera administration to that end.
Knoxville Opera’s 2020-2021 Season will be announced in upcoming weeks.
