Richard Russell

Richard Russell has extensive work experience in the opera industry. Richard currently holds the position of General Director at Sarasota Opera since June 2021. Prior to this, they worked as the Executive Director of the same company from October 2012 to May 2021. In their role as Executive Director, they managed a real estate portfolio, including the Sarasota Opera House and associated facilities, and led the acquisition of a large opera costume collection for costume rental purposes.

Before joining Sarasota Opera, Richard served as the General Director of Opera New Jersey from April 2010 to September 2012. Prior to that, they worked as the Director of Marketing at Sarasota Opera from August 2005 to March 2010.

Richard Russell attended Nanuet High School from 1976 to 1980, where they completed their high school education. Afterward, they enrolled at Indiana University Bloomington, where they obtained a Bachelor of Music in Voice and Opera from 1980 to 1984. Subsequently, Richard Russell pursued further education at the same university, earning a Master's Degree in Voice and Choral Conducting between 1984 and 1988.