Fargo-Moorhead Opera Announces New Leadership Focused on Local Growth, Community Investment, and Artistic Collaboration

Fargo-Moorhead Opera (FM Opera) is proud to announce the appointment of two passionate leaders who will guide the company into a new era, deeply rooted in the community it serves. Regina Thiel has been named Executive Director, and Joshua Kohl has been named Artistic Director. Together, they bring a shared commitment to investing in local talent, fostering the arts, and ensuring that opera continues to thrive in the Fargo-Moorhead region for generations to come.

Strengthening Community Through Leadership

Regina Thiel: A Visionary Leader with Local Commitment

Regina Thiel steps into the role of Executive Director with extensive experience in strategic leadership and a deep dedication to the arts. A graduate of Concordia College, Thiel has been an active member of the FM Opera, both as a board member and performer in the opera chorus. Her professional background in sales and marketing, finance and customer success has equipped her with the skills to drive the organization forward while staying true to its mission of delivering exceptional art to the community.

As a long-time resident of the region, Thiel is committed to strengthening FM Opera’s role as a pillar of the community, ensuring that opera remains accessible, engaging, and impactful for all.

Joshua Kohl: An Artistic Leader Committed to Local Talent

As Artistic Director, Joshua Kohl brings over 20 years of experience on national and international opera stages, combined with a deep investment in the Fargo-Moorhead arts community. Since making Fargo his home in 2017, Kohl has become a driving force in the local arts scene, performing with FM Opera and mentoring emerging talent. His career has taken him to renowned opera houses worldwide, but his passion is ensuring that opera remains vibrant and relevant right here at home.

Kohl believes in the power of opera to inspire, educate, and bring people together. His leadership will focus on cultivating local talent, creating innovative programming, and ensuring that future generations—including his own young son—grow up in a community that values and supports the arts.

A Vision for the Future: Opera Rooted in Fargo-Moorhead

Under Thiel and Kohl’s leadership, FM Opera is reaffirming its commitment to local artists, businesses, and audiences. “We believe that opera belongs to this community,” said Thiel and Kohl in a joint statement. “Our vision is to create an environment where local talent thrives, where audiences feel connected to the stories we tell, and where the next generation grows up with a deep appreciation for the arts. Fargo-Moorhead is our home, and we want to see it flourish.”

In addition to strengthening the opera company itself, FM Opera aims to be a catalyst for greater collaboration among the arts organizations in the community. By working together, local arts groups can amplify their impact and create unique artistic experiences that resonate across disciplines.

“We can be a shining example in the opera world of what is possible when a community rallies together to create special experiences,” Thiel and Kohl added. “By fostering deeper partnerships, we hope to inspire even greater artistic innovation and shared success among all arts organizations in Fargo-Moorhead.”

While developing and utilizing local talent is a core part of FM Opera’s mission, the company is also committed to exposing its audiences to the very best in the opera world. By engaging established artists and supporting emerging talent from across the country, FM Opera ensures that audiences experience artistic excellence while continuing to nurture and celebrate the region’s own creative voices.

The FM Opera invites the community to join in celebrating this new chapter and looks forward to a season filled with performances, educational outreach, and meaningful engagement that enriches the cultural landscape of the region.

About Fargo-Moorhead Opera

Founded in 1968, Fargo-Moorhead Opera is dedicated to bringing professional opera to the region while nurturing a love for the art form among audiences of all ages. With a strong emphasis on community engagement and artistic excellence, FM Opera continues to make opera accessible, relevant, and inspiring for the Fargo-Moorhead area and beyond.

For Media Inquiries:

Regina Thiel
Executive Director
Fargo Moorhead Opera
701-239-4558
executive@fmopera.org