The 2nd Biennial Sector Summit - 22 October 2026, Convene County Hall, London

THE BUSINESS
OF OPERA

Purpose, passion, performance: shaping opera's next decade

Thank you for joining us!

The Business of Opera Summit brought the sector together around a shared challenge: how to sustain what is most valuable in opera while adapting and evolving for the years ahead.
 
This year's summit built on the momentum of the inaugural event through four guiding themes:

  • Purpose - strengthening identity, collaboration and collective ambition.

  • Passion - championing the artistry and talent at the heart of the industry.

  • Performance - turning ideas into action, building a more resilient future for opera.

  • Potential - exploring technology, innovation and new pathways for the sector's long-term future.

2026 Speakers

Ally Rosser
Ally Rosser
OperaUpClose
Executive Producer
Amanda Saunders
Amanda Saunders
Royal Ballet & Opera
Chief Development & Advocacy Officer
John Savournin
John Savournin
Waterperry Opera Festival
Artistic Director & CEO
Lea Shaw
Lea Shaw
Mezzo Soprano
Deborah Shaw
Deborah Shaw
Marlowe Theatre
Chief Executive
Emily Simpson
Emily Simpson
Opera North
Director of Audiences & Brand
Sue Spence
Sue Spence
Askonas Holt
Director
Tyler Stoops
Tyler Stoops
The Grange Festival
Chief Executive
Adele Thomas
Adele Thomas
Welsh National Opera
Co-General Director and CEO
Kate Valentine
Kate Valentine
Valentine Voice Care
Founder
Julien Van Mellaerts
Julien Van Mellaerts
Baritone and Trustee
Kate Varah
Kate Varah
National Theatre
Executive Director and Co-CEO

Media Partners