Samuel Gelber

Biography

Samuel Gelber is the Director of Artistic Planning & Operations of the Washington National Opera at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. He oversees the company's artistic output in collaboration with Artistic Director Francesca Zambello with special emphasis on casting and programming. He is a regular presence on the juries of important international singing competitions including: Plácido Domingo’s Operalia, the Paris Opera Competition, the Butler Opera International Voice Competition, the Joan Pons International Singing Competition, and The Galina Vishnevskaya Competition.

Prior to his appointment at the Kennedy Center, Mr. Gelber was Artistic Administrator at the Los Angeles Opera. In this capacity, he worked in direct collaboration with Plácido Domingo, James Conlon, and Susan Graham in developing and casting the company’s artistic initiatives. He additionally directed both the company’s esteemed young artist program and Music Administration Department.

Gelber was previously Artistic Coordinator of the Metropolitan Opera where he worked on the casting and planning of future seasons. He began his career in artist management working with artists as varied as Renée Fleming, Lawrence Brownlee, Marco Armiliato, and Julia Fischer. He is a native of Houston, Texas though completed his studies in music at Manhattan School of Music in New York City.