For many years ‘music for theatre’ wasn’t even recognised in the Olivier or Evening Standard awards, but the tide is turning. Paul Clark sees the increasing confidence and ambition of sound and music, even in ‘well-made plays’.
“It is the art they want, not the buildings”. Jessica Walker says it’s time to rethink the structures that allow arts organisations’ viability to rely on the self-exploitation of musicians and creatives.
Our much-discussed social and mental health relies on having something to live for and cherish during and after this existential shock. So when will someone start treating artists as Essential Workers, asks Julian Reynolds.
The financial fallout from the cancellation and postponement of hundreds of orchestral performances is taking a heavy toll on both orchestras and musicians. Mark Pemberton explains the issues – and what the ABO is doing about them.
Many children steer well clear of opera, but the artform has allowed primary school pupils in Norfolk to discover new heights of confidence and creativity. Genevieve Raghu explains how.
Opera Holland Park’s Young Artists scheme, which gives participants the chance to be part of the main season, has become an important source of talent for the industry. Imogen van Santvoort explains how it works.
Are free and discount ticket schemes key to reaching new audiences or do they simply benefit existing bookers? Michael Volpe shares Opera Holland Park’s experiences.
No wonder there is so much talk about the death of opera when people are excluded from it all the time, says Bill Bankes-Jones. But are attitudes finally starting to change?
A new digital distribution platform is piloting an initiative that will see filmed performances by leading cultural institutions screened in community venues including arts centres, libraries and pubs.
Sound and lighting will be adjusted and movement between the auditorium and the foyer will be encouraged to welcome people living with dementia to the theatre.
From trailers and vox pops to backstage sneak peeks, the arts sector produces reams of video footage, but what impact does this content have on audience behaviour? Andrea Perseu shares his recent research.
From an all-male ‘CarMen’ to a gay-themed Tosca, Robin Pietà reveals how Secret Opera is helping opera to shed its stuffy, elitist image and boosting LGBT representation in the industry.
Opera North’s singing programmes were recently praised for greatly improving the SATs results at two primary schools. But was it really the opera that did it, asks Jacqui Cameron.
Founding trustee William Makower has spoken publicly about how he always intended the NFS to move into the wider charity sector, but the arts sector seemed the best place to secure initial funding.
The national online giving platform, which charges among the highest fees of all suppliers, has been propped up by a £125k grant that breaks through the official ceiling on grants from Arts Council England’s Grants for the Arts programme.
Classical music must face up to abuse
Harassment will continue until institutions are willing to take difficult decisions, says Jonathan Knott.