We’re looking forward to introducing you to Diana Farrell. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Diana, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
People assume my job is indulging a grand vision. In truth, it’s creative constraint—turning budgets, schedules, venues, donor demands, and human limits into something that looks effortless. After enough time in the wings, you learn elegance is engineered, not wished into being. If I’ve done it right, the seams disappear, the audience feels magic, and I go home proud. The methods? Let’s just say a good amount of magic needs to happen offstage before the curtains rise.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Diana Farrell, founding artistic director of Lyric Opera of Orange County—and, when people will listen, a grateful soprano. Over eight seasons we’ve grown steadily by treating “finding our niche” as an ongoing practice: we test, listen, iterate, and build for the people in front of us. We’re proudly grassroots with a small, dedicated team; since the beginning I’ve been very hands-on but I’m learning to delegate to thoughtful colleagues who make ambitious ideas come alive. Any confidence you hear comes from experience, paired with a clear sense of what I don’t know— I’ve embraced the practice of asking for help early and often. My other titles, opera libretist and producer, are feeling more and more permanent. A recent milestone, for example: writing the libretto for and debuting The Yellow Wallpaper at Carnegie Hall. And waiting in the wings: Gilgamesh— a new grand opera almost fully-formed and preparing for its world-premiere.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I once assumed there was a single ‘right’ route in opera. Or as my colleagues and I like to say, “The Path, TM.” Instead, I’ve learned you make your own: demanding, yes, but more expansive—and I’m no longer dependent on others to move forward. I’ve traded gatekeepers for collaborators, ask for help when it matters, and let the work—not the pedigree—set the pace. Creating my own path means choosing projects that serve me and my artistic community, shaping teams around real constraints, choosing the companions on the journey, and owning the outcomes. It’s harder in honest ways and richer in the ones that count.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
“Listen to your heart more than other people’s opinions. When someone compliments you, say thank you and believe it. And remember to breathe —it helps with the high notes, and the hard days.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes—unfortunately and fortunately. I talk a lot, feel a lot, and step in when harm’s being done. I’m learning to pause more, but I won’t apologize for caring out loud.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
For a long time I followed the ‘shoulds’—collect credentials, wait my turn, ask for permission. Launching Lyric Opera OC flipped that. I began doing the work I’m built for, and I take responsibility for the outcomes. It’s more demanding, but it feels right. That gave me the guts to make those changes in other parts of my creative career and I’ve only felt more joy for the chances I take, and the opportunities I let lie.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lyricoperaoc.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianafarrellsoprano
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/81898165/admin/dashboard/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dianafarrellsoprano
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp7PfMGHMhcZCqUHTP-EJcg
- Other: https://www.dianafarrellsoprano.com
Image Credits
Red dress pics – Zachary Lee
White nightgown on-stage images – Dan Wright
Garden photo with composer Derrick Skye – Luke Lacey
3 person group shot for Carnegie Hall Promo – Molly Noori (pictured with composer Brooke deRosa and Lyric Opera OC General Director, Michael O’Halloran)
