The Dallas Opera has named David Lomelí as General Director and CEO, and Arts Consulting Group (ACG) extends its congratulations on his leadership appointment. He will begin his tenure on June 1, 2026.
The Dallas Opera (TDO) was officially founded in 1957, opening with a heavily publicized concert, starring a glittering and glamorous Maria Callas. In the years since, TDO has presented many international artists in their U.S. debuts, including Dame Joan Sutherland, Plácido Domingo, Jon Vickers, Montserrat Caballé, Teresa Berganza, Helga Dernesch, Dame Gwyneth Jones, Waltraud Meier, director/designer Franco Zeffirelli, and Clémentine Margaine.
“David Lomelí is the rare leader who understands that great opera companies must honor tradition while fearlessly building for the future. He brings international artistic credibility, strategic vision, and an extraordinary ability to connect with artists, patrons, audiences, and community leaders alike,” said Board Chair Quincy Roberts.
He continued, “Throughout this search, David distinguished himself not only through his vision for the future of opera, but through his authenticity, collaborative leadership style, and deep understanding of The Dallas Opera’s artistic mission and community impact. We are confident that he is uniquely prepared to lead this company into an exciting new era of growth and international prominence.”
Lomelí returns to The Dallas Opera in this new role after serving at the Santa Fe Opera as Chief Artistic Officer and Chief Artistic Advisor for five years, as well as at the Bayerische Staatsoper as Casting Director and Head of International Partnerships and Strategy. He previously served The Dallas Opera in progressively senior artistic roles for over a decade, including founding director of the Hart Institute for Women Conductors, which received the International Opera Awards' Equal Opportunities & Impact Award in 2025, and has continued as Artistic Consultant since 2021.
“I am honored, and especially grateful to partner with a thoughtful and sensitive Board that understands both the immense challenges and extraordinary possibilities facing our art form today,” said David Lomelí. “I look forward to listening, learning, and building together with our magnificent orchestra, chorus, artists, and deeply passionate staff, whose dedication and spirit are the heartbeat of this company. My goal is to serve this institution, this city, and this art form with humility, ambition, and a profound sense of responsibility as we shape the next chapter of The Dallas Opera together.”
Known for bridging artistic excellence with strategic and financial leadership, Lomelí has managed budgets ranging from $15 million, developed international coproduction partnerships that generated new revenue streams, and cultivated relationships with global corporate and cultural partners. He is a founding member of OPERA America's Diversity Initiative and a frequent speaker on artistic leadership and talent development.
ACG is the leading provider of hands-on interim management, executive search, revenue enhancement, strategic planning & community engagement, and facilities & program planning and research services for the arts and culture industry. ACG consultants are located in communities across the United States and Canada to best serve the needs of our clients. ACG team members have decades of combined senior leadership experience in every artistic and cultural discipline and area of functional management expertise.