Categories: Lina De La Torre, THE BUZZ

THE BUZZ: Visionary Leadership Continues: David Bennett’s Tenure Extended at San Diego Opera

by Lina De La Torre

August 28, 2025

David Bennett is the General Director of San Diego Opera, shown here on June 14, 2018. (Photo by K.C. Alfred/San Diego Union-Tribune)

San Diego Opera’s Board of Directors recently announced the extension of David Bennett’s contract as Joann Clark General Director and CEO for another five years, continuing his tenure through the 2029–30 opera season. “David’s visionary leadership has been transformational for San Diego Opera,” said Linda Spuck, President of the Board of Directors. 

Bennett joined San Diego Opera in 2015, appointed by the Board of Directors in an effort to revitalize the organization. From the outset, Bennett brought a bold vision centered on innovation, inclusion, and community engagement. His early initiatives—such as a citywide Listening Tour, free public performances, and family-friendly operas—demonstrated a commitment to broadening access to opera and reimagining what an opera company can be in the 21st century.

I enjoy classical opera, and I know that many patrons expect those works to feature prominently in the programming of an opera company.  At the same time, it is also vital for an opera company to project forward and search out opportunities to present newer works to potentially appeal to a wider audience.  I have seen some opera companies do better than others in terms of finding that very tricky mix of expected and unexpected.  In looking at the 2025/2026 season I see a strong showing of classical opera with three mainstay works, so I believe that David has chosen well in terms of satisfying the traditional opera-goer.

To expand upon that base, David has expressed interest in commissioning new works of all sizes but also securing the necessary funds to workshop new works adequately. He has already taken leadership roles in co-commissioning other operas, particularly in the Spanish language. I attended the premiere of the opera El último sueño de Frida y Diego which featured vibrant colors and creative staging. David had this to say, “What made it to the stage with Frida y Diego was quite different from where we started, all because of a long workshop process.”

Photo: Baritone Alfredo Daza (Diego Rivera) works on his mural in the world premiere of El último sueño de Frida y Diego by composer Gabriela Lena Frank and Librettist Nilo Cruz. Photo by Karli Cadel. 

David is continuing with another work in progress called Dolores. David emphasized this aspect of his efforts. “I see commissioning and producing Spanish language works as an opportunity and a responsibility for San Diego Opera. We are the only opera company that is in a city on the international border, so it’s an imperative for our success.’

Because of my family ties to Mexico and to the San Diego area I find David’s perspective really encouraging and am looking forward to a bright future for San Diego Opera. Be sure to attend some of the upcoming operas in the 2025/2026 season.  

  • Pagliacci – Oct. 31 – Nov. 2, 2025
  • The Barber of Seville – Feb. 13 – 15, 2026
  • Carmen – March 27-29, 2026
  • Fellow Travelers — July 10-12, 2026 (at the Balboa Theatre – more info on this production here)
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