Larry Hancock Named Successor to Irene Dalis as Opera San Jose's General Director

The Board of Directors of Opera San José announced today the selection of General Manager Larry Hancock as the successor to General Director Irene Dalis upon her retirement at the end of the 30th season. Hancock will become Opera San Jose's General Director on July 1, 2014.

Larry Hancock, part of the founding team at Opera San José, has been groomed by Miss Dalis to succeed her as General Director. Mr. Hancock was initially a graduate assistant to Miss Dalis at the opera workshop at San José State University, and has since worked in many capacities, from PR and marketing, to artistic administration and production. Mr. Hancock is a music and opera scholar and has contributed to the greater knowledge of opera through his frequent lectures in our community. He is responsible for the creative teams for each production, scenic and costume development, and is the main contact with the City of San José and Team San José for the California Theatre. Laurie Warner, President of the Board remarked, "We are thrilled that the Board recognizes that Larry Hancock will provide the right leadership for Opera San José in the years to come."

Founded in 1984, Opera San José is unique in that it is the only resident opera company in the United States. Members of the resident company form the core of the artistic staff for mainstage productions in the California Theatre as well as educational programs for the community at large.

Miss Dalis noted, "Opera is my life; it always will be my life. I am not disappearing and will be available to help in any way the Board, Larry, or management may deem desirable."