OI Interview | Allison Swenson, Opera Omaha’s New General Director


(Santa Fe, NM) - We were thrilled when we heard about Allison Swenson’s move to Omaha as General Director, but a little sad, too. Allison’s been an incredible force at Santa Fe Opera for many years, and it’s been wonderful to watch her progress to leading that company’s robust and successful development arm. However, in opera as in any other business, the only way is up. So, this progression to General Director at one of the Midwest’s most important, vibrant and cutting edge small companies is absolutely in line with the professional that we’ve come to know and admire. In the lead up to this Zoom interview, we had the good fortune of an impromptu lunch when we ran into each other at the same Santa Fe restaurant on a sunny, Sunday afternoon - a wonderful way to wish her the best. We think you’ll really enjoy Allison’s take on her new position, local and regional business insights and where she intends to lead her company and community. We think Allison exemplifies everything that’s right with the business of opera, and we’re so honored to have spent this time with her. This Zoom conversation took place on March 16, 2023. JBM