Shaping the Future of Opera Together

The Business of Opera summit brings together the most influential innovators in the art form to advance the following aims:

  • Bring opera to new audiences, making it accessible and inclusive
  • Help opera to become more sustainable, encouraging innovation and collaboration
  • Sustain and retain British singers in the industry

Join the foremost minds in opera to explore strategies for navigating and flourishing in today's funding landscape. Unleash potential through innovation and collaboration while upholding the highest standards of artistic excellence.

Answering the Big Questions

  • What needs to be true for opera to be a sustainable business within 10 years?
  • How will we channel the sector’s extraordinary innovation, ambition and talent to become less dependent on government grants and private philanthropy?
  • What can we learn and apply from other cultural institutions and entertainment businesses?
  • How do we get a new generation to be hooked on opera?
  • How can we work together to improve career opportunities for British artists?

Be Inspired By Our Expert Speakers

Alison Buchanan
Alison Buchanan
Pegasus Opera Company
Artistic Director
Robin Norton-Hale
Robin Norton-Hale
English Touring Opera
General Director
Peter Gelb
Peter Gelb
The Metropolitan Opera
Maria Manetti Shrem General Manager
Alex Beard CBE
Alex Beard CBE
Royal Opera House
Chief Executive
Laura Canning
Laura Canning
Opera North
General Director and CEO
Richard Davidson-Houston
Richard Davidson-Houston
Glyndebourne
Managing Director

And many more...

Discover. Collaborate. Connect.

The Business of Opera summit convened by the Laidlaw Opera Trust will combine audience insights from brand new market research, short keynote addresses from leaders inside and outside the art form, and working groups focussed around in-depth problem-solving. We aim to facilitate real, achievable, take-away actions. 

KEYNOTES

The Metropolitan Opera continues its expansion into contemporary opera. Peter Gelb will present the first analysis of results and audience demographics for the 2024/2025 season. 

NETWORKING

The "Who's Who" of opera gathers in London. Forge new partnerships during a day designed for impactful networking. 

DATA

Be the first to hear the results of our research on the public perception of opera, and explore how this insight can be incorporated into audience development programmes. Read the initial report findings in this newly published report.

WORKING GROUPS

Working groups are at the heart of the agenda. Looking at specific problems, each working group aims to delver objectives and outcomes.

IMPACT

Join opera’s leading proponents and practitioners to discover how to survive and thrive in the future funding environment; by innovating and collaborating without compromising artistic excellence.

ACTION

This is not just a talking shop. All participants will be encouraged to share ideas and opinions and to commit to working together towards solving opera’s challenges. 

Last chance on First Release Ticket rates - ends 28th of June!

Opera Companies & Artists

Individual Delegate Tickets: £145 — Save £300!
Group Bookings (groups must include 3+ delegates): £105pp  Save an additional £120+!


Vendors & Commercial Partners

Individual Delegate Tickets: £395
Group Bookings (groups must include 3+ delegates): £355pp

Venue