SAN FRANCISCO (July 22, 2025) — The Opera Parallèle Board of Directors today announced the appointment of Daniel Harvey as the company’s next Executive Director, effective August 1, 2025. Harvey, a highly successful and respected Bay Area arts administrator with a portfolio of more than 14 years of effective non-profit management credentials, first joined Opera Parallèle in 2017 and at present, serves as the company’s Artistic Producer & Community Director. His selection is the result of a competitive national search.
In his new capacity as Executive Director, Daniel Harvey will lead the nationally renowned opera company in partnership with Founder and Artistic Director, Nicole Paiement, who, after five years, relinquishes her dual role as Artistic & General Director. Harvey will report directly to the Opera Parallèle Board of Directors and will steer the company’s strategic direction while overseeing the development, marketing/PR, finance, administration and community engagement departments.
Peggy Otum, Opera Parallèle Board Chair-elect said, “Today’s announcement marks a significant milestone as Opera Parallèle enters its 16th season with a restructured leadership model. As the next Executive Director, Daniel, with his expertise and understanding of the arts landscape, will collaborate closely with Nicole Paiement, who continues her visionary role as founder and artistic director. Together, this dynamic management team—enhanced by award-winning Creative Director Brian Staufenbiel—is poised to propel the company to new artistic heights. The Board is confident that Daniel’s thoughtful guidance, vision and strong business values will contribute to Opera Parallèle’s continued success. We look forward to working with Daniel.”
Daniel Harvey commented, “It is a distinct privilege and honor to be selected as the next Executive Director at Opera Parallèle, a company that has been my artistic home for the past eight years. I have been fortunate to grow, personally and professionally, alongside OP during this time of bold innovation and remarkable boundary-pushing creativity. Supporting the visionary work of my esteemed colleagues, Nicole and Brian, and the remarkable artists we bring together continues to be a source of deep inspiration. I look forward to building on the strong local and national partnerships I have helped forge, as we further expand OP’s presence and impact in the Bay Area and nationwide.”
“This moment comes at a time of significant challenge for the arts,” Harvey continued, “but the drive to create meaningful work that reflects our world—and to offer spaces of joy, reflection, and connection—feels more vital to me than ever. I wish to express my gratitude to the Board for their confidence in my ability to lead the company with Nicole, and to acknowledge the extraordinary work of my predecessors, the OP staff, board, and enthusiastic donors whose collective dedication and creativity have laid a strong foundation for our future.”
Nicole Paiement said, “Daniel Harvey embodies the values and forward-thinking spirit that Opera Parallèle stands for. His multi-faceted experience with the company, his success in building deep and meaningful community relationships and his exceptional administrative skills will ensure OP’s continued creative excellence. I am excited by this new chapter for the company and am confident that together, we will lead Opera Parallèle into a vibrant and sustainable future. I would also like to commend the Board for selecting Daniel as it underscores the company’s commitment to fostering leadership from within and maintaining its innovative edge in the opera world.”
About Daniel Harvey
Daniel Harvey brings over 14 years of experience in artistic, administrative, and production roles to his new position as Executive Director of Opera Parallèle, building on his eight years of work as a key staff member with the organization. Most recently serving as Artistic Producer & Community Director, Harvey has played a central role in shaping and expanding OP’s identity as a champion of contemporary opera—pushing the boundaries of how opera is created, experienced, and shared.
In collaboration with Founding Artistic Director Nicole Paiement and Creative Director Brian Staufenbiel, Daniel Harvey has been instrumental in developing national partnerships and co-productions, helping secure presentations of OP’s innovative work with companies such as Cal Performances, Portland Opera, Hawai’i Opera Theatre, Opera Omaha, and Utah Opera. These efforts have not only expanded OP’s national reach but also established new revenue streams and important long-term institutional relationships. In the Bay Area, he has led collaborations with the California Academy of Sciences, YBCA, KQED, San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, and the Bayview Opera House.
In his role as Community Director, Harvey spearheaded the redesign of OP’s community programming aligning it with civic practice models under the banner of The Bullhorn, including the creation of Expansive, a bold showcase of transgender classical artists, now in its fourth year in partnership with The Transgender District and the American Conservatory Theater. His work in this area has attracted new funding for the organization and helped redefine what it means for OP to serve, reflect, and engage with its community in meaningful ways.
A trained set and costume designer with a degree from the Victorian College of the Arts in Melbourne, Australia, Harvey approaches his work with the eye of an artist and the discipline of a producer. His work at OP has included overseeing production budgets, internal operations, and fostering a supportive, values-driven workplace culture.
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