Wednesday 26 March 2025
The Inclusivity of Opera
Co-organised by the Theatrical Voice Research Centre (University of Surrey) and English National Opera
Please join us for an afternoon of discussion exploring how opera has engaged with varied and diverse audiences, both in the past and today. Academics and practitioners from universities and opera companies across the UK will share their insights as we delve into the ways in which opera has and can connect with people from all walks of life.
Free
St Martin's Lane
London
WC2N 4ES
The event is free to attend but booking is required.
Access Information: Please note that there is step-free access to the venue. If you have any access requirements, please get in touch with us at box.office@eno.org so we can help make your visit to the London Coliseum as smooth as possible.
Programme
Arrival
- 2.10 – 2.30pm
‘Italy’s Most Operatic “Homes”: Milan’s Casa Verdi and Parma’s Teatro Regio, 1950s – 1980s’.
- 2.30 – 3.10pm
- Barbara Gentili, University of Surrey
‘"My People Must Have the Best" Fostering Operatic Communities at the Old Vic and Sadler's Wells’.
Break
3.50 – 4.10pm
Roundtable session: ‘Opera, Communities and Connection’
- 4.10 – 5.30pm
Chaired by:
Speakers:
- Alison Buchanan, Pegasus Opera Company
- Francesco Izzo, Southampton University and Teatro Regio, Parma
- Jo Bedford, Opera North
- Michael McCarthy, Music Theatre Wales
- Richard Willacy, Birmingham Opera Company
- Beth Warnock, ENO
- Tumi Williams, Starving Artists.
Drinks reception
- 5.30pm
