Daniel Grambow

He/Him
Managing Director, Chautauqua Opera Company
Performing and Visual Arts

About Dan

I joined the Chautauqua community in 2019 when I was hired as the managing director for the Chautauqua Opera Company. Over the past decade I have been fortunate to experience the world of entertainment evolve around me as a participant (through performing, directing, designing, and producing) and an audience member (through live theater, virtual reality and film). I’ve wanted my career to be focused on finding exciting ways to bring the Arts into communities through creativity, innovation and placemaking. Chautauqua Institution (the Institution) is one of the greatest examples of placemaking in America and while it has its problems, I have found immense joy working on solutions with the Institution and rediscovering the meaning behind our work.

My experience at the Institution has allowed me to collaborate with the entire year-round team on projects ranging from capital improvements and safety plans to theme development, business plans, public relations and crisis management. I continue to do this work with a focus on anchoring the Arts as sustainable ventures connected with the initiatives outlined in the 150 Forward strategic plan. I have worked with the full artistic team including artistic directors and managing directors from every resident company. Together we wrote the latest business plan for the Galleries of Chautauqua Visual Arts and managed the implementation of a new outdoor Performance Pavilion in 2021 for the Opera and Theater companies. When my coworkers were struggling to navigate our new digital platforms, I was a resource as they learned the complexities of live streaming. I have found great success by empowering those around me to be the best possible versions of themselves. In 2020 we developed and executed the first completely digital opera season, helping the fourth oldest opera company in America pivot and have a season when many companies went dark.

Prior to the Institution I have worked as a leader, entrepreneur, producer, speaker and performer over the past decade. Serving primarily as an opera producer has provided me unique insights on advocating for niche artistic content within the creative industries. Opera is the only art form originally intended to include music, dance, theater and design. I’ve been professionally trained and worked in each of these disciplines as a musician, actor, dancer, and designer. My knowledge of these disciplines will allow me to further apply my skillset and be of service to the Institution in a more impactful way.

Why did you chose to work at Chautauqua? What do you like about working at Chautauqua?

I chose to work at Chautauqua because of the history, the culture and the opportunity to impact the creative industries. I have found that I enjoy solving problems with my colleagues and thinking strategially.

Current and Former Volunteer or Board Service Roles

  • Chicago Opera Underground – Service Role
  • Chicago Creative Coalition – Service Role
  • Bridgeport Art Center – Volunteer
  • Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church – Volunteer
  • The Garage, Northwestern University – Mentor
  • Northwestern Alumni Association – Volunteer

Professional Affiliations

  • Northwestern Alumni Association
  • Opera America Professional Company Member
  • American Guild of Musical Artists – Union Affiliation

Personal Interests

  • Snowboarding – Peak n’ Peak and Holiday Valley
  • Music – Singing, Playing the Trumpet, Guitar, Piano
  • Volleyball at the YMCA and Summer Leagues
  • Writing – Music, Plays, Poetry
  • Gaming – Open world survival games (played with my brothers and a way for us all to connect during COVID)
  • Travel – Visiting new places, road trips out on the weekends
  • Film – Seeing new premieres, engaging in commentary and criticism.