Knoxville Opera has announced that it has selected opera company administrator Jason Hardy as its Interim Executive Director. Brian Salesky, who has held the combined positions of Executive and Artistic Director at the opera company for the last 15 years, will continue as the company’s Artistic Director. KO Board Chair Trey Coleman and Chair-elect Eden McNabb Bishop made the announcement.
“The Company has long wanted to make these two separate positions,” explains Bishop. “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’s background is in both performance and arts administration. As a bass-baritone, he received a BA in Music from Emory University where he also completed a thesis, “The Business of Music,” in collaboration with the Bachelor of Business Administration Degree program. He later earned a Masters of Music from The Peabody Conservatory where he also received an Artist Diploma in Vocal Performance. Since that time, he has turned his eye toward opera administration with work as Chief Advancement Officer at Opera Memphis and as Managing Director at OperaDelaware.
Hardy takes the executive director reins at a perilous time due to the Covid-19 shutdown, not just for Knoxville Opera, but for all performance organizations. Hardy will be playing a key role as judicious decisions are being made as to how performing arts can retake the stages and invite audiences back into theatre seats.
“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,” offers Hardy. “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.”
Arts Knoxville will have continuing coverage of Knoxville Opera’s plans for the 2020-21 season as Hardy begins the new position on July 1, 2020.
