In a blow to one of Louisville’s premier arts organizations, Barbara Lynn Jamison, CEO and General Director of the Kentucky Opera, announced her departure via social media.
In a letter posted on career social networking site LinkedIn, Jamison shared:
“After seven extraordinary seasons with Kentucky Opera, I will be stepping down as General Director and CEO in June, at the end of the 2024/25 season.
It has been such an honor to lead this company—one with a deep artistic commitment and a powerful sense of purpose. During my time here, we’ve expanded the notion of what opera can be and who is a part of it. Whether launching new youth & community programs, commissioning new works, producing historical works through a new lens, or opening the Kentucky Opera Center for Cultural Health, we’ve worked to make opera not only a source of beauty and theatrical storytelling, but a vehicle for connection, reflection, and civic dialogue.
I’m especially proud of the people—artists, staff, board members, partners, and patrons—who make this work possible. Their commitment and creativity have helped Kentucky Opera grow into a home for both innovation and community.
Kentucky Opera is in a strong and exciting place. We’ve just completed a beautiful run of Pygmalion with period instruments (tuned A392…oh my goodness, the production was so gorgeous!), Amplify: Songs of Remembrance is coming up on May 18, and the 2025/26 season has been announced: a full calendar of productions, all taking place at our downtown home, the Kentucky Opera Center for Cultural Health.
The Board of Trustees, under the leadership of Chair Matthew Hamel, will be forming a transition committee and leading the process of identifying new leadership for this vibrant next chapter. I have full confidence in their guidance and vision.
The news is now out that I will be joining Opera Colorado as its next General Director and CEO. But there’s plenty of time to talk about what’s next. Today, my heart is full of gratitude for this community and for the opportunity to serve Kentucky Opera during such a meaningful time.”
As her letter states, Jamison will now lead Opera Colorado as its General Director and CEO. Her departure comes after seven seasons with the Kentucky Opera, following the tenure of Ian Derrer, who left to join the Dallas Opera.
