Portland, Ore. (August 8, 2025)
Portland Opera is proud to announce that Damien Geter has been named Music Director, following nearly four years serving in the role on an interim basis. This appointment marks a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to evolving the operatic art form by challenging traditional norms, fostering equity, and creating space for new artistic voices.
Damien’s exceptional range as a singer, composer, and conductor sets him apart as a rare force in opera. His deep, multifaceted understanding of the art form makes him not just an ideal choice, but a game-changer for Portland Opera. As Music Director, Geter will have the opportunity to compose new works that fuse classical tradition with contemporary influences, making opera more accessible to wider audiences and breaking down longstanding barriers to entry. His appointment exemplifies Portland Opera’s bold vision to expand the opera genre without abandoning its roots.
“I’m delighted to announce my appointment as Music Director for Portland Opera,” says Geter. “I’m looking forward to continuing this collaboration with the wonderful orchestra, chorus, guest artists, and colleagues as we continue to shepherd the scintillating world of opera into the 21st century.”
“Appointing Damien as Music Director is not just a celebration of his extraordinary talent—it’s an investment in the future of opera,” says Sue Dixon, General Director of Portland Opera. “Damien brings a rare blend of artistic brilliance, emotional intelligence, and visionary leadership that resonates far beyond the stage. He challenges us to think bigger, to reach wider, and to embrace a more inclusive, relevant future for this art form. I truly believe his voice and vision will help lead Portland Opera—and opera as a whole—into its next, transformative chapter.”
Geter is a celebrated American composer whose music is deeply informed by the Black diaspora and composed with urgency and purpose. His work centers on advancing social justice and building inclusive platforms within classical music. He has served Portland Opera holistically—as a spokesperson, advisor, composer, and most recently, as the conductor of the company’s sold-out 2025 production ofThe Shining.
Earlier this year, Geter’s major new opera Loving v. Virginia premiered to critical acclaim. Based on the true story of Mildred and Richard Loving and the landmark 1967 U.S. Supreme Court decision that struck down state laws prohibiting interracial marriage, the opera will appear in a future Portland Opera season. Another of Geter’s operas, Delta King’s Blues, a story inspired by blues legend Robert Johnson, is currently in development and will continue to be workshopped into 2026.
As Portland Opera approaches its dynamic 25/26 Season, “Love Through Adversity,” Geter’s creative presence will be felt across multiple productions and platforms. His song “Amanirenas,” commissioned by Grammy Award-winning soprano Karen Slack, will be performed during her African Queens recital at the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts on September 13 and 14. Geter will also conduct several productions including Verdi’s Requiem, serve as rehearsal coach, and continue to be deeply involved in the company’s planning and mentorship.
Outside of Portland Opera, Geter is the founder of DG Music and Sans Fear Publishing, and co-author of Music in Context: An Examination of Western European Music Through a Sociopolitical Lens. His performance credits include appearances with Portland Opera, the Metropolitan Opera, Seattle Opera, and tours with the American Spiritual Ensemble. He is an alumnus of the Austrian American Mozart Festival and the Aspen Opera Center, and previously served as Artistic Advisor for the award-winning Resonance Ensemble, a vocal group centered on social justice.
Damien Geter’s appointment reaffirms Portland Opera’s strategic dedication to innovation, equity, and long-term artistic vitality. His leadership continues to shape the company’s future alongside the executive team, led by General Director Sue Dixon.
Portland Opera’s 25/26 season launches this September with seven productions across five local venues. Full season details, tickets, and information are available at portlandopera.org.