David Bennett: Responsible for Saving San Diego Opera

Opera in San Diego continues to intrigue opera mavens with its exciting, forward–looking agenda. 

From the moment newly–minted General Director David Bennett arrived at his office on June 15th, the SDO atmosphere became ebullient. His mere presence seems to evoke cheerfulness and optimism from the staff. He is the emblem, not only of the season to come, but also of a vision that looks confidently toward the future. 

When I first met with Bennett, I was immediately struck by his keen intelligence, boundless enthusiasm, affable and genuine manner and ability to express his ideas articulately. He was quick to emphasize how impressed he has been with the tireless work of the opera staff.

"In absence of a General Director last year they did an amazing job," says Bennett. "(COO) Keith Fisher jumped in and led the company in a beautiful way. The staff learned to feel a sense of empowerment in what they’re doing. I think they all are feeling creatively engaged."

Aside from endless meetings with the board, the press, the San Diego Arts Commission and even the Consul General of Mexico, how has Bennett fared in his first few weeks with the company?

"Much of the work focused on preparing for the Annual Membership Meeting on June 29th," Bennett said. "Making sure we were closing the fiscal year as soundly as possible… doing everything we could to continually raise money and solidify some gifts that were still outstanding. But also trying to clarify what’s definitive versus what we think things are going to look like down the pike."

Bennett described a new look for 2016–17. "The season will be split as opposed to back–to–back... an October main stage production, a January–February production and late April production." He plans to intersperse those with more than just the recitals SDO is presenting this season and to explore a broader collaboration with the San Diego Symphony, figuring out the business model for a co–production of a concert opera at Copley Hall. "We’d both sell it, share the expenses and in some way share the revenue… Something family friendly, that might happen in December as part of their holiday programming." 

Making decisions about how to reduce the budget down to what is needed is another of the company’s major goals. "Our work is not finished," says Board of Directors President Carol Lazier, who has continually expressed her appreciation at each and every contribution from the San Diego community. Lazier, whose generous gift helped jump–start the campaign to save SDO, hopes the new "Stand for SD Opera" fundraising campaign will help the company sustain their successful efforts over the last year and contribute toward the future. As of July 4th, approximately $1,700,000 of their $2.1 million goal had been raised. Clearly the community remains passionately devoted to SDO’s continued existence.

In May of 2016, SDO will present the San Diego premiere of a new Jake Heggie opera, Great Scott, in which the composer explores the music of the past while contrasting it with today’s music of popular culture. Based on the original story by Terrence McNally and directed by former Old Globe Artistic Director Jack O’Brien, the all–star cast features baritone Nathan Gunn, soprano Isabel Leonard and mezzo-soprano icon Frederica von Stade. 

Other productions include Puccini favorites Tosca and Madama Butterfly on the main stage at the Civic Theatre and recitals by Ferruccio Furlanetto, Patricia Racette and hot new tenor René Barbera at the Balboa Theatre.

Barbera, who wowed audiences and critics at SDO’s 50th Anniversary Celebration Concert in April, will kick off the new season with his September North American Recital debut singing opera, zarzuela and art songs.

"I am quite excited about being a part of David Bennett’s first season with SDO," says Barbera. "I have heard nothing but good things about his track record and am hoping this will be the beginning of a long relationship with SDO for the both of us."

Bennett’s creative innovation seems limitless. In addition to works aimed specifically at San Diego’s Latino, African–American and military communities, Bennett is exploring a Chicago Lyric Opera production written for and meant to be performed in a zoo. "We want to start conversations with the San Diego Zoo to see if that might be a way to celebrate their 100th anniversary in 2016."

That sounds like the vision of a new, forward–looking opera company: one that not only fits squarely into the 21st century, but also has earned a lasting place at the heart of the cultural life of America’s Finest City. 

"We still have a lot of work to do, clearly," Bennett says, "But I’m not daunted, which is a good way to begin." 

Check out the 2015-2016 Opera Season Schedule