Chandler Johnson Named Artistic Director of Dayton Opera

The Dayton Performing Arts Alliance announces the appointment of Chandler Johnson as the new Artistic Director of Dayton Opera. Johnson will begin a three-year term on July 1, 2026.

Regarding the announcement, Johnson says: “I am profoundly honored to join the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance as the next Artistic Director of Dayton Opera. Dayton Opera has a rich 65-year history of artistic excellence, and I am thrilled to build upon that incredible foundation. What excites me most about DPAA is its unique collaborative model. Bringing together opera, ballet, and orchestra under one creative umbrella offers unparalleled opportunities for innovative and unique storytelling. I look forward to working with my fellow Artistic Directors, the Board of Trustees, the incredible DPAA staff, and our community of artists and patrons. It will be my goal to create vibrant, world-class operatic experiences that honor tradition, champion the next generation of talent, and resonate with the Dayton community.”

Chandler Johnson is an arts administrator and artistic leader whose career has been dedicated to developing artists, shaping operatic programming, and advancing the future of the art form. He most recently served as Director of the Apprentice Program for Singers at the Santa Fe Opera, where he collaborated on season planning, casting strategy, budget forecasting, and long-term artistic initiatives for one of the nation’s leading opera companies.

Prior to Santa Fe, Johnson held artistic administration positions with Los Angeles Opera, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, and Stratagem Artists, contributing to casting, artistic planning, young artist development, and artist relations. Throughout his career, he has cultivated relationships with artists, managers, and arts leaders across the field while helping to create meaningful opportunities for emerging talent and supporting organizational growth and excellence.

A graduate of the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM), Johnson brings a deep commitment to artistic excellence, collaboration, and community engagement. Originally from Greenville, South Carolina, Johnson is thrilled to return to Ohio, bringing his career back to the region where his professional training took shape.

Regarding the appointment, Dayton Philharmonic Music and Artistic Director Keitaro Harada shares: “Chandler possesses an exceptional ear for talent and a masterful instinct for discovering the voices of tomorrow. With him, the potential for innovation and creative expression is truly boundless, and I am thrilled to welcome him into our artistic family. He is the ideal leader to build upon the brilliant legacy Kathleen leaves behind after her triumphant tenure. I’m extremely excited for the Chandler, Brandon, Keitaro Trio! A new chapter begins!”

Dayton Ballet Artistic Director Brandon Ragland adds: “I am so excited to welcome Chandler Johnson to our artistic team at DPAA. One of the reasons I was drawn to Dayton is the unique, collaborative spirit of having ballet, opera, and symphony under one roof. Chandler’s extensive expertise in the industry makes him the perfect person to build upon the strong foundation established by Tom Bankston and Kathleen Clawson. I am incredibly energized to lock arms with Chandler and Keitaro as we blend our respective art forms, push creative boundaries, and step boldly into this exciting new chapter for the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance.”

Joe Zehenny, Chair of DPAA Board of Trustees, notes: “The Board of Trustees is delighted to welcome Chandler Johnson to Dayton and the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance. Throughout the search process, Chandler distinguished himself through his artistic vision, collaborative spirit, and deep commitment to the future of opera. We are excited to support Chandler, Brandon, and Keitaro as they build upon DPAA’s tradition of artistic excellence and chart an exciting course for the future.”

Patrick Nugent, President and CEO, comments: “Chandler Johnson is one of the most exciting and creative artists working in the field of opera. He brings to the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance a rich international network of singers and stage directors, a sterling reputation for excellence, and a history of spotting and nurturing the best new talent in opera. He was the unanimous choice of the search committee, the artistic directors, and the leadership team. We are all excited to work with him to continue to produce the first-class operatic performances which Dayton values so deeply.”

Chaired by Nugent, the Search Committee included DPAA Trustees and staff, as well as several members of the community: Dr. Ron Anderson, Thomas Bankston, Christin Coffee-Rondeau, Dr. Samuel Dorf, Vernon Fernandes, Jackie Griffin, Jeaunita Ìfẹ́wándé Château Olówè, Linda Lombard, Patricia McDonald, Dr. Schneata Shyne-Turner, Milena Treer, and Dr. Troy Tyner.

Johnson succeeds Kathleen Clawson, who announced her intent to step down as Artistic Director of the Dayton Opera in February 2026. Appointed in 2021, Clawson served as Dayton Opera’s sixth Artistic Director following Thomas Bankston (1996–2021), Steven Larsen (interim; 1995–1996), Jane Nelson (1993–1995), Dr. David DiChiera (1981–1993), and Lester Freedman (1961–1981).

Regarding Johnson’s appointment, Clawson comments: “When I first met Chandler Johnson in the summer of 2021 at the Santa Fe Opera, it was immediately clear that he was exceptional. His passion for the art form is infectious, his knowledge is deep, and his advocacy for the next generation of singers is a beacon to all. He is, to put it simply, the future of opera, and I couldn’t be happier to have him continue the legacy of Dayton Opera and shepherd it into an exciting future.”

The 2026–2027 Dayton Opera Season opens September 26 with West Side Story. Subscriptions are on sale now; single tickets are available July 30. Learn more here.