Derrell Acon

Heartbeat Opera has hired Derrell Acon as its first-ever associate artistic director. Acon will remain part-time at Long Beach Opera, where he is associate artistic director and chief impact officer. Meanwhile, Louisa Proske will transition from Heartbeat’s co-artistic director to co-founder and resident director, and will join Germany’s Oper Hallein as associate artistic director. Ethan Heard will become Heartbeat’s sole artistic director.

Jennifer Knisbell has joined Pensacola Opera as director of development.

David Serkin Ludwig

Composer David Serkin Ludwig has been named dean and director of The Juilliard School’s Music Division. An alumnus of the school, Ludwig comes to Juilliard from the Curtis Institute, where he was chair of composition studies.

Magda Krance

Magda Krance has retired as director of media relations at Lyric Opera of Chicago after nearly 30 years with the company.

Matthias Manasi has stepped down as music director of Nickel City Opera.

Nancy E. Petrisko

The Merola Opera Program has named Nancy E. Petrisko as director of advancement. It is a newly created role.

Richard Russell

Sarasota Opera announced that Richard Russell’s contract has been extended through the 2025–2026 season and that his title will change from executive director, a title he has held since 2012, to general director. The company has also hired Stephen Baker as director of marketing.