Minnesota Opera welcomes Dr. Darius Gillard as Vice-President, Impact

Minnesota Opera welcomes Dr. Darius Gillard as Vice-President, Impact, beginning June 27, 2023

Following the successful completion of a national search, MN Opera today announces that Darius Gillard will serve as Vice-President, Impact for the company beginning this June. Over the last several years, MN Opera has established an industry-leading team focused on Equity in the opera field since the inception of the Impact division. Gillard will lead the accomplished team as it continues to lean into our goals to become an anti-racist and anti-oppressive arts organization and incorporate a greater sense of belonging for all who wish to enjoy and further the genre of musical storytelling. In addition to serving as part of the company’s seven-member leadership team guiding the organization’s strategic and artistic objectives, Gillard will lead the division that executes the company’s equity work, creative development programming, and community engagement work. He will also work with the Impact committee of the company’s Board of Directors to encourage broad advocacy for the work of the Opera and the Impact team.

A trained operatic tenor with a broad performance resume, Gillard joins MN Opera from his current post as Resident Opera Administrator with Pittsburgh Opera. Previously, he served as a Civic Engagement Artist with Opera Carolina in Charlotte, North Carolina. Gillard has also worked in and developed music programs at the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Claflin University where he has served as Assistant Professor of Voice and Opera.

“As we plot our recovery from the last few years of challenges, and continue to expand our circle of musical storytelling, I am excited that Darius has accepted our invitation to our leadership team at MN Opera,” said Ryan Taylor, the company’s President and General Director. “His performance experience in the field, service-minded leadership approach, teaching skill as an educator, and commitment to community partnerships will provide valuable perspective in our work both on- and off-stage in the years ahead.”

“I’m incredibly excited to join Minnesota Opera in continuing the critical work outlined in its diversity charter. As an institution that prioritizes anti-racism and quantifiable inclusion practices, both on stage and in the broader artistic community, MNOP continues to facilitate the advancement of this art form through the critical examination of artistic and administrative processes. I look forward to building upon the work of my colleagues and predecessor in expanding the company’s capacity to effect positive change.”