Christopher Hahn has led the Pittsburgh Opera as General Director for the past 18 years and now the baton passes on to William Powers on July 1.
After Hahn’s retirement announcement last year, all have been wondering who will take his place and what is to come of the Pittsburgh Opera. Now, they are happy to announce that William Powers, a previous artistic administrator at the Opera, is lined up and ready to support its esteemed mission.
William Powers is no stranger to the arts scene of Pittsburgh. Since 2021, he has been working as the Executive Director of the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra, focusing on young artist development. But, even before this position he spent time at the Pittsburgh Opera for 14 years, first as Director of Artistic Administration, then Director of Administration and Artistic Operations, and then to Managing Director.
Even outside of Pittsburgh, Powers has found vocal studies to be a muse. He took time working within The Juilliard School’s Department of Vocal Arts, Berkshire Opera Company, the Aspen Music Festival, the Music Academy of the West, and The Metropolitan Opera.
We got to speak with William Powers about his new position and what this change means for him. Below he tells us what’s in store for the next chapters of the Pittsburgh Opera.
A Q&A with William Powers, New General Director of the Pittsburgh Opera
What’s it Like Returning to the Pittsburgh Opera After All This Time?
William Powers: “Yes, this is a bit of a homecoming for me. I had the pleasure of working with retiring General Director Christopher Hahn for many years as he established his vision for the company. I’m honored to carry on that legacy, but also eager to guide the organization in its next chapter. I look forward to reuniting with Music Director Antony Walker, all of my colleagues on the staff, and the many donors and patrons who generously support the Opera.”
What New Perspective Do You Hope to Bring to the Opera?
WP: “Having spent over 25 years in the opera industry, I can say with certainty that Pittsburgh Opera is one of the leading opera companies in the country and known for its standard of excellence, creativity, innovation, as well as its renowned Resident Artist Program. I look forward to carrying the mantle of the company’s rich legacy. But, I am also eager and excited to embrace the opportunities and challenges as we shape its future.”
“Audiences are more culturally omnivorous than they ever have been, seeking a variety of ‘art experience.’ For Pittsburgh Opera, there is no question that the operatic chestnuts continue to be a fantastic point of entry for new opera-goers and they are the mainstays for the core repertoire audiences. But over the last twenty years there is a growing appetite for, and enjoyment of smaller, intimate operatic works that bring the audience closer to the story.”
“In addition, Pittsburgh Opera has a growing legacy of adding to the operatic repertoire with commissions and world premieres. While many of these works have themes that are universal, I think we can explore creating works based on Pittsburgh stories that have universal themes as well. I hope we can also consider programming that includes works that are arguably operatic in scale but may be more cross-genre. Some of these works have mass appeal at the box office and are wonderful ways to engage new patrons and to excite our core audience.”
What is One Goal You’d Like to Accomplish in Your First Year?
WP: “As in most transitional periods, this is a time for us at Pittsburgh Opera to evaluate and review things; to do some organizational interrogation and ask what is and what is not working – to begin evaluating and changing patterns, to become more curious and inquisitive, and to continue challenging ourselves to find creative ways to engage our vibrant community.”
Story by Kylie Thomas
Photo Courtesy of William Powers
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