Increasingly opera companies are turning to the very artists that perform on their stages for assistance in running their organizations. While  Placido Domingo might be one of the most famous artists, having served both the Washington National Opera and Los Angeles Opera, other artists are making an impact in today’s opera companies. Renee Fleming is an artistic advisor to the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Jennifer Rivera is serving as a Director for Artistic Development at the Center for Contemporary Opera, Lawrence Brownlee is serving as an artistic advisor for Opera Philadelphia.

While these artists are focusing their talents on providing artistic consultation still others are using their talents to improve an organization’s bottom line. David Walker is one such artist who has transitioned from the operatic stage to the Managing Director at Palm Beach Opera.

Download this episode (right click and save)

David has experience managing successful fundraising and marketing campaigns for arts organizations around the country.  He is a guest lecturer on the business of opera at conferences, universities, and Young Artist Programs.  Prior to his arts administration career, Walker had an 18 year international singing career, performing with some of the most prestigious opera houses and orchestras in the world.  He holds a BA in Industrial Engineering, an MM in Vocal Performance, an MA in Arts Administration, and an MBA with an Arts Administration focus.

Palm Beach Opera’s 17 | 18 season will begin with the company’s annual, freeOpera @ The Waterfront concert in downtown West Palm Beach on December 9, and will continue with main stage performances of Giacomo Puccini’s ToscaJanuary 26-28, Leonard Bernstein’s Candide February 23-25, and Le nozze di Figaro (in a new co-production with San Diego Opera, Opera Philadelphia, and Lyric Opera of Kansas City) by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart March 23-25.  On February 15, the company will hold its annual Gala featuring internationally-known superstar soprano Sondra Radvanovsky.  www.pbopera.org.