IN MEMORIAM

IN MEMORIAM
DAVID B.DILLARD
The Santa Fe Opera mourns the passing of our dear friend and devoted Board Director, David B. Dillard, who died at home in Palm Beach, Florida, on September 11, 2025.
David and his wife, Anna-Karin, first attended The Santa Fe Opera in 2002 and became regular subscribers in 2014. Their generous philanthropy has supported numerous productions, including Così fan tutte (2019), Eugene Onegin (2021), Pelléas et Mélisande (2023), The Righteous (2024), and Rigoletto (2025). In May 2024, David was elected to the Board of Directors, where he served with thoughtfulness and commitment, including as a member of the Endowment Investment Committee.
The Dillards' commitment to the arts extended far beyond Santa Fe. Through the New York–based Dillard Foundation, David and his family also supported educational, environmental, and health-related causes, continuing a legacy of philanthropy established by his relative, James Hardy Dillard, a champion of educational rights for African Americans and namesake of Dillard University.
David's professional journey was equally distinguished and took him to influential roles at the World Bank and later as a partner at Lazard Frères & Co., where his sharp mind and global perspective left a lasting mark.
Even in his later years, David remained an eager student of classical music and opera. In July, after attending our day-long symposium "Why Wagner?" he mused, "After all this time, I am still looking for the 'why,'" reflecting with both humor and wonder on his decades-long fascination with Wagner's works.
Those who knew David will remember his keen memory and wit, his quiet generosity and kindness, and the youthful curiosity with which he approached the world. The Santa Fe Opera is profoundly grateful for his friendship, leadership and support, and he will be dearly missed.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Robert K. Meya, General Director
Lynn Loacker, President
Gene Stark, Chairman