Chandler Johnson

Meet Chandler Johnson

The Dayton Performing Arts Alliance has appointed Chandler Johnson as the seventh Artistic Director of the Dayton Opera.

Johnson takes the helm as Artistic Director on July 1, 2026.

From Chandler

“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.”