Thomas Bankston served as artistic leader for Dayton Opera for 25 seasons (96/97 – 20/21). During his tenure he oversaw Dayton Opera’s productions of both standard repertory as well as new and challenging 20th/21st century works. Always committed to high production values and to bringing great singing to Dayton Opera productions, he presented internationally renowned opera artists on the Schuster Center stage through the Dayton Opera Star Recitals and fostered young singer careers through the company’s Artist-in-Residence Program. His 42-year professional opera career included a sixteen-year association with the Cincinnati Opera, providing his expertise in the areas of education, production and artistic administration.