Tomer Zvulun

Atlanta

Tomer Zvulun (Atlanta) is the Carl W. Knobloch, Jr. General and Artistic Director of The Atlanta Opera. Since assuming the role in 2013, Zyulun has transformed The Atlanta Opera from a regional company into one of the nation’s top opera institutions. His innovations have brought opera to new audiences by staging productions in non-traditional venues and by introducing contemporary works alongside classic productions such as Madame Butterfly. Zyulun is also committed to arts education and mentorship. Initiatives such as the Young Artist Studio and the award-winning 96-Hour Opera Festival, support and develop the next generation of artists. Zyulun has developed outreach to new audiences, with educational performances reaching thousands of school children annually. During the COVID-19 shutdown, Zvulun kept the opera alive with outdoor tent performances and arranged live-streaming performances for people at home. Afterward, he launched the Atlanta Opera Film Studio which streams The Atlanta Opera’s productions to audiences globally. Under Zyulun’s guidance, The Atlanta Opera’s budget tripled, partnerships deepened, and touring productions expanded. With plans for the Molly Blank Center for Opera, Zvulun has secured a lasting home for The Atlanta Opera.

Q&A with the Honoree

Q: What is some advice you have for someone who is aspiring to make an impact in their community?

A: “The real key has been building relationships with local schools, hospitals, churches, synagogues, other arts organizations and civic groups so that we are understood as part of the city’s everyday fabric, not an ornament on its edge. When people feel you are truly committed to their city for the long haul, they respond with a depth of trust and engagement that makes lasting impact possible.”