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

THE BUSINESS
OF OPERA

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

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Gathering together to shape opera's sustainable future

The Business of Opera Summit brings 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 builds 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.

Join peers from across the sector, forge new collaborations and explore new ways of working as we shape opera’s next chapter together.

Interactive Working Groups

Keynote speaker announced:

Kate Varah
Executive Director and Co-CEO, National Theatre
 

Under Kate's leadership, the National Theatre has expanded its reach dramatically - through NT Live, now screening in over 700 UK cinemas and available globally, through the National Theatre Collection now in 90% of UK schools, and through a bold new touring and residency model designed to bring the work to audiences well beyond the South Bank.

At the Business of Opera she talks about how the NT is applying AI to drive efficiencies and enable the institution to do more with less. Hear what has been successfully implemented, factors required for success and aspirations for building on the opportunities presented by this rapidly evolving technology.

See the full speaker list

Partnership Opportunities

Partnering with the Business of Opera Summit is an opportunity to support meaningful progress across the sector while connecting with those shaping its future.

Become a conference partner

Speakers just announced

Debbie Coates
Debbie Coates
The Mozartists
Chief Executive
Edilia Gänz
Edilia Gänz
Fedora-Circle
Director
Bex Hand
Bex Hand
English Touring Opera
Head of Learning and Participation
Sir Tristram Hunt
Sir Tristram Hunt
V&A
Director
Lord Laidlaw of Rothiemay
Lord Laidlaw of Rothiemay
Laidlaw Opera Trust
Chair
Ville Matvejeff
Ville Matvejeff
Savonlinna Opera Festival
CEO & Artistic Director
Simon Mellor
Simon Mellor
Arts Council
Deputy Chief Executive
Charlie Palmer
Charlie Palmer
Steadman
Consultant
Sue Spence
Sue Spence
Askonas Holt
Director
Kate Varah
Kate Varah
National Theatre
Executive Director and Co-CEO
Dr. Kiara Wickremasinghe
Dr. Kiara Wickremasinghe
CAMHRA, SOAS
Research Fellow
Gareth Williams
Gareth Williams
Mid Wales Opera
Chair
SEE THE SPEAKER LIST

Special Offer for Business of Opera Attendees

Courtesy of our friends at English National Opera, we're delighted to offer attendees a special £25 ticket rate to Angel's Bone at the London Coliseum on the evening of 22 October, an opportunity to experience this Pulitzer Prize-winning work by composer Du Yun and librettist Royce Vavrek.

Ticket numbers are limited - register your place to claim.

Media Partners