Tom Wright

Background

About Tom Wright

Tom Wright – General Director, Vancouver Opera Having grown up in North Vancouver, I’m reminded every day of how special it is to live and work in the Lower Mainland, where a vibrant arts and culture community creates and shares ideas while nestled in the West Coast’s wildly inspiring natural beauty. It’s truly the best of both worlds, and it brings out the best in our creators and facilitators. In my 16 years at Vancouver Opera—including serving as General Director since 2020—I’ve overseen the creation of more than 50 productions, stewarded new opera commissions, and assembled creative teams for brand-new VO productions like Eugene Onegin, Nixon in China, West Side Story, and Evita. On the facilities side, I helped spearhead the creation of the Michael & Inna O’Brian Opera Centre — now an East Vancouver cultural hub where VO’s administrative offices, costume and properties shops, set storage, and rehearsals all take place under one roof. It’s energizing to build grand-scale productions and a tight-knit community here. Early in my tenure I oversaw VO’s Education and Opera in Schools tour programs, but perhaps my proudest achievement to date has been the creation of the Yulanda M. Faris Young Artist Program, which supports young singers in transitioning from post-secondary schooling to a professional career. Now in its 11th season, the program is an essential part of the opera ecosystem, connecting emerging talents with the mentors and industry professionals who will soon become their colleagues and collaborators. In all of my work with VO and the broader community, I’m passionate opera being a living, evolving artform, a cultural beacon for the city of Vancouver, and a way for everyone to find what their heart seeks, be it expression, exhilaration, or escape.