Havey is currently in development for a new work with composer Jennifer Jolley through the 2023 OPERA America Discovery Grant for Women Composers program. Havey has staged new works with Opera Philadelphia for their Double Exposure event, OPERA America’s New Works Forum, and spent three seasons as the Resident Stage Director for the North American New Opera Workshop.

She has also been a member of the staging staff at San Francisco Opera, Houston Grand Opera, and The Santa Fe Opera.Ī frequent collaborator for the development of new opera, Ms. Havey has staged productions for Seattle Opera, Opera de Montreal, Michigan Opera Theatre, The Dallas Opera, Arizona Opera, Opera Omaha, Madison Opera, New York City Opera, and Hawai’i Opera Theatre, among others, and has created new productions for Boston Lyric Opera, The Philadelphia Orchestra, Pittsburgh Opera, The Atlanta Opera, Lyrique-en-mer International Festival de Belle-Ile, The Curtis Institute of Music, Manhattan School of Music, Finger Lakes Opera, and Tulsa Opera, among others. We believe the power of opera is transformational and supports the creation of an inventive, creative, empathetic, and inclusive community that inspires joy, self-discovery, kinder discourse, and opportunity for all.Award winning stage director Stephanie Havey is consistently lauded for her eye-popping stage pictures, brisk dramatic pacing, and convincing theatre that makes the most of every minute. Opera Omaha is a growth-minded, high energy, and innovative company with a demanding mission: producing opera performances in multiple formats and styles and co-creating artist-led programs for a variety of community service organizations. Swenson will begin her role in mid-February after transitioning to Omaha. I am grateful to the transition committee, board and staff for their confidence and for welcoming me so warmly, and I look forward to joining the vibrant arts community in Omaha.' The company flourished under the leadership of Roger Weitz, and I am honored to follow him in this role. “I have long admired their spirit of creativity and impressive record of discovering emerging talent. 'Opera Omaha is a jewel among American opera companies,” said Swenson. Swenson received a dual degree in Voice Performance and Integrated Marketing Communications from Ithaca College, where she was a Presidential Scholar and graduated Magna Cum Laude. As a teenager, she sang in state and national honor choirs. Her father established a Metropolitan Opera Guild membership in her name when she was an infant, and she studied piano with her mother beginning at age four. The child of two music teachers, Swenson grew up surrounded by classical music. Allison’s references included important artistic and administrative leaders, who uniformly congratulated Opera Omaha for attracting Allison to Omaha.” “Of the nearly 40 candidates reviewed, Allison rose above the other candidates with her artistic and development experience, and in particular her deep network at the highest levels of the opera business. “We set the goal of finding a new leader who would be capable of taking Opera Omaha to an even higher level, building on the success that was achieved during Roger’s tenure” said Board Chair, Elisa Davies. Her new role with Opera Omaha promises to be tremendously beneficial both for the company and the field of opera.” Having begun her opera career at an early age, Allison has a splendid track record as a fundraiser, manager, and artistic administrator, and she is dedicated to advancing the art form. “She has a broad range of experience with major US arts organizations. “Allison is one of the brightest, most accomplished arts leaders of her generation” commented MacKay. She currently serves as the Director of Development at the Santa Fe Opera, the largest festival opera company in the United States, beginning as former General Director Charles MacKay’s assistant in 2010. With 20 years of experience in the field, Swenson’s work includes time with the Santa Fe Opera, Glimmerglass Festival, and Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival, working with emerging talent and seasoned artists. Succeeding Roger Weitz, Swenson will step in as the nineteenth General Director in the company’s history. (Omaha, NE) – Opera Omaha is thrilled to announce Allison Swenson as General Director. (402) OMAHA NAMES ALLISON SWENSON AS NEW GENERAL DIRECTOR Kyle Thomas, Director of Marketing and Communications 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, January 31, 2023

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