After a national search, Curt Olds has been named the new General Director of Fargo-Moorhead Opera. Olds succeeds David Hamilton, who recently concluded 25+ years of leadership at the end of the 2022-2023 season. Olds is the 3rd General Director in the 55-year history of FM Opera and brings 25 years of experience as an executive & artistic director in all aspects of arts management with specific focus in opera & musical theatre.
“We are extremely excited to have Curt Olds named as General Director of the Fargo Moorhead Opera. Curt’s energy, connections, talent, and vision will bring FM Opera to the next level and ensure the success of the organization for years to come,” states Karin Rudd, FM Opera Board Member and Chair of the recent search committee.
Prior to joining FM Opera, Olds worked extensively as an arts leader and performer, appearing at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and on Broadway. He has been seen with New York City Opera, Atlanta Opera, and many other opera and musical theatre companies across the country. He currently serves as Director of Artistic Planning for Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre and is the Managing Director/Founder of Black Tie Broadway, a symphonic pops and special events company which creates productions and content for performing arts organizations around the world. He has also previously served as Manager/Vice President of Concert and Special Projects at ADA Artist Management in New York City representing 80+ clients. He holds master’s degrees in both vocal performance with distinction from New England Conservatory and a bachelor’s degree from University of Montana. UM just honored him as the 2023 Odyssey Distinguished Alumnus Recipient. He was also a Fellow in the Professional Development Program at the Kennedy Center/BAM’s DeVos Institute.
“FM Opera is among a very important group of opera companies developing a national presence from a more remote location,” said Olds. “Operas and musicals of the highest quality are being produced in cities like Fargo, far beyond the major markets, and are catching national attention. I look forward to building on the excellent legacy of David Hamilton and I am thrilled to join the exciting energy here. I grew up in Montana and I am very thankful to the search committee and staff for giving me this opportunity to join the momentum and come home to the midwest. I look forward to wonderful things together.”
Olds starts officially with FM Opera on September 11th and audiences will have the opportunity to meet him at the 55th Anniversary Celebration Concert Saturday, October 28th at Reineke Concert Hall which kicks off his tenure with FM Opera.