10 Things About Kevin Ahern & San Diego Opera

” Talent is God Given
Be Humble,
Fame is Man Given
Be Grateful,
Conceit is self-given
Be Careful. ”
– John Wooden

San Diego Opera’s mission is to deliver exceptional performances and exciting, accessible programs to diverse audiences, focusing on community partnerships, and the transformative and expressive power of the human voice. San Diego Opera Board Member Kevin Ahern, along with his gorgeous wife Sherry, will serve as the Opera’s 2022 Honorary Gala Co-Chairs.

#1 I grew up in the Imperial Valley and went to UCLA during the seventies.

#2 My mother made all of her kids believe in themselves and feel that anything was possible. She gave me my love of poetry and a sense of obligation to help those less fortunate.

#3 Our favorite travel destinations are the Waterfall House in Southwest County Cork, Ireland and New Orleans. On my bucket list, I would like to spend a month in India.

#4 I like doing crossword puzzles and love Russian Literature. God Save Ukraine!

#5 My good luck charms are my kids Brianna and Brendan.

#6 We have an English Cream Golden Retriever named “Archie”

#7 When I opened the newspaper one morning and read that SD OPERA was on the verge of collapse, we started donating to the Opera, bought season tickets and then I eventually joined the Board. I am honored to have played a small role in its resurgence.

#8 Under the direction of David Bennett, the guidance of a talented board and all of the dedicated employees, SD Opera is producing dynamic classical and cutting-edge art. So, I hope to “See you at the Opera”!

#9 Through excellence in innovative programming and education and a commitment to equity, San Diego Opera provides a lasting cultural service to our diverse community. This ranges from our Equal Voices/Voces Iguales community outreach efforts to celebrate the diverse Mexican culture in our city, to our extensive education program which serves a number of schools in San Diego County, to a program to provide discounted and free tickets to first responders and active and retired military personnel.

#10 San Diego Opera’s “A Night to Dream” supports all of San Diego Opera’s productions, education programs, and community engagement initiatives. The gala cover illustration was designed by Mahlani Gumabon England, one of the talented students of art teacher Edward Moller in San Diego Opera’s Artist Residency program at Lincoln High School. It was inspired by our upcoming production of El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego (The Last Dream of Frida and Diego), which will have its world premiere in October of 2022.

San Diego Opera
“A Night to Dream”
Saturday, June 4, 2022
6 PM
The Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines
www.sdopera.org/dream-gala