Ian Campbell

2026 Master of Ceremonies

Ian Campbell has worked in opera for more than 58 years as a singer, stage director, artistic director, broadcaster, lecturer, and company director. He began his career in 1967 in his native Australia as a tenor with Opera Australia, singing a variety of roles through the opening season of the Sydney Opera House. He moved into administration and stage direction in 1974. He has been General Director of The State Opera of South Australia, Assistant Artistic Administrator with the Metropolitan Opera, and for 30 years was General Director and Artistic Director of San Diego Opera He has given master classes around the USA and was a member of the jury for the Marcello Giordani vocal competition with Vero Beach Opera. As the stage director his productions range from Aida and La bohème to Katya Kabanova, Don Quixote, and Murder in the Cathedral. In 2003 his radio program At the Opera with Ian Campbell was honored by the San Diego Press Club with both First Place for a Radio Series and Best in Show for Radio in their annual awards program. The same year he received the Wolfensohn Award from Sydney University Graduates Union North America for services to the community.