The Canadian Opera Company (COC) has announced that Ian Derrer will become the organization’s next General Director. He will step into the role as of July 1, 2026, taking over from David C. Ferguson, who has served as the Canadian Opera Company’s General Director since June 2024.
Ferguson‘s strength was his experience as an executive, and his leadership provided the organization, Canada’s largest producer of operas, with stability during a crucial time.
“This is an exciting moment for the Canadian Opera Company,” said David C. Ferguson in a statement.
“Over the past year and a half, this team has done the rigorous work of establishing values-driven goals and clearly defining the pathway to success. I have the utmost confidence in Ian’s ability to build on this foundation, leading the organization forward with vision and care. The COC is extremely well-positioned for the future, and I look forward to supporting a smooth transition in the months ahead.”
The appointment comes after an extensive national and international search led by the COC Board of Directors’ Search Committee, collaborating with executive search firm Isaacson Miller. The comprehensive process took more than a year.
Ian Derrer
“I am thrilled to be joining the Canadian Opera Company at such a pivotal moment,” said Ian Derrer. “I have long admired the COC’s ambitious artistic programming and extraordinary body of work and am eager to work alongside Artistic Director Roberto Mauro and Music Director Johannes Debus, both of whom I have deeply respected for years.
“I’m especially drawn to the company’s global reputation as a welcoming and supportive community for artists, staff, and audiences. With so many exciting plans already underway for the future, I look forward to working with this remarkable team in bringing to life a shared vision for the next chapter of opera in Canada.”
Ian Derrer, a trained baritone, holds degrees from Brooklyn College, Northwestern University, and Southern Methodist University. He began his career in opera working professionally as a singer, stage manager, and assistant director.
For the last eight years, he has served as Kern Wildenthal General Director and CEO of The Dallas Opera. There, he was able to improve the company’s financial position. Recently, he completed a multi-million-dollar challenge grant that was initiated in July 2025. It required The Dallas Opera to raise $25 million in new or increased gifts in order to access a matching contribution. The company went beyond the goal, and exceeded it by an additional $4 million.
Audience attendance has increased under his tenure, particularly among the 18 to 45 demographic. Derrer has acted on a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion across artistic programming, operations, and governance.
“Ian has demonstrated impressive executive leadership across artistic programming, critical fundraising, and community bridge-building — all areas that the Canadian Opera Company has identified as strategic priorities for long-term sustainability and growth,” said Marcia Lewis Brown, Chair of the COC Board of Directors.
“The Search Committee was deeply moved by his integrity, curiosity, and people-centred approach to leadership. It was evident right away that Ian’s values align strongly with those of the Canadian Opera Company: the understanding that success is built on collaboration and care for all who bring this art form to life.”
Prior to his appointment with The Dallas Opera, Ian served as General Director of Kentucky Opera, and spent eight years at Lyric Opera of Chicago in roles that include Director of Production and Head of the Rehearsal Department.
Final Thoughts
COC Board Chair Marcia Lewis Brown expressed gratitude on behalf of the Board and organization, saying, “We are profoundly grateful to David C. Ferguson for his passionate dedication and steadfast stewardship.
“Work spearheaded under his leadership has sharpened the COC’s direction and bolstered our readiness for the future, setting us up for every success as Ian prepares to join us at the end of this season, leading the Canadian Opera Company into its next chapter of excellence, innovation, and continued cultural relevance.”
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