All I need is a hairbrush microphone

Woman singing into hairbrush
17 Mar 2021

Ruth Pitt reflects on the power of music and the projects that put it at the heart of recovery. 

Orchestral music's popularity grew in lockdown

07 Jan 2021

Movie scores and video game soundtracks are broadening the genre's appeal, attracting a new generation of fans who are more likely to donate.

Singing softly could cut Covid risk

28 Aug 2020

DCMS and the University of Bristol publicised the research findings as proof that 'singing is no riskier than speaking'. That's not quite what the study says.

Outdoor performances given green light for July 11

10 Jul 2020

Indoor performance pilots with the London Symphony Orchestra will shape further reopening plans amid concerns about the safety of singing, brass and wind instruments.

When music is no longer the afterthought

Clod Ensemble - On The High Road performance
27 May 2020

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’.

Organisations are paralysed, but the musicians play on

a group of woodwind musicians perofrming in a room
06 May 2020

“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.

The ‘new normal’: will the only artists left be enthusiastic amateurs?

The National Theatre, Munich
30 Apr 2020

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.

Falling between the cracks

String section of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra
08 Apr 2020

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.

Classical music must face up to abuse

A close up of a hand and a violin
06 Dec 2019

Harassment will continue until institutions are willing to take difficult decisions, says Jonathan Knott.

My Gurus: 'the route less travelled'

28 Nov 2019

Mahogany Opera Artistic Director Frederic Wake-Walker looks back at the people who taught him to make art like you're making history.

First encounters with opera

Photo of rehearsal room with singers and musicians
12 Jul 2018

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.

Breakthrough opportunities in opera

Photo of opera singers sitting in deck chairs on a ship
07 Jun 2018

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.

New Chief Executive for English National Opera

Photo of Stuart Murphy
09 Mar 2018

Television Executive Stuart Murphy will lead ENO from April as it re-enters Arts Council England’s national portfolio for the next four years.

Paying less for opera

Photo of performance of outdoor opera
21 Jun 2017

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.

Royal Welsh College launches new opera school with WNO

Photo of Welsh National Opera production
17 Feb 2017

The school will provide professional experience for designers, stage managers and arts managers, alongside training for singers and instrumentalists.

Reflecting the world

Photo of audience watching performance
09 Feb 2017

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?

Digital initiative to drive community screenings

Photo of people in a screening
27 Jan 2017

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.

Obituary: Lloyd Newton

Photo of Lloyd Newton speaking
24 Jan 2017

Kim Morgan pays tribute to the founder of Pegasus Opera Company and people’s champion Lloyd Newton, who died earlier this month.

Edinburgh theatre to host UK’s first dementia-friendly opera performance

Photo of Opera performance
31 Oct 2016

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.

What video content do audiences want?

Photo of two men taking notes during opera rehearsal
27 Oct 2016

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.

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