Thangam Debbonaire to ‘champion’ opera as CEO of new ACE-backed trade body

Former shadow Culture Secretary THANGAM DEBBONAIRE has been named CEO of a new trade body representing the UK’s opera sector.

UK Opera Association (UKOA) will initially bring together a group of 20 opera companies from across the country, including English National Opera, Garsington Opera, The Grange Festival, Glyndebourne, Royal Ballet and Opera, Scottish Opera and Welsh National Opera, to help strengthen the future of the art form.

The organisation’s initial set-up and running costs are being supported by an Arts Council England grant of £25,000, before membership fees become payable in early 2026.

In 2023, ACE announced plans to conduct an independent analysis of the opera sector following significant backlash against decisions to cut funding to ENO, Glyndebourne and Welsh National Opera.

The report highlighted significant challenges facing the sector, including a need for a more diverse repertoire and varied business models.

With a remit that includes providing a collective voice for the full breadth of the UK opera sector and promoting diversity, accessibility and sustainability across the sector, UKOA will also seek to further UK operatic talent, celebrate the sector’s cultural and economic contribution and advocate for policies and investment that support creative ambition, a stable workforce and audience growth.

‘A collective, powerful voice’

A trained cellist, Debbonaire served as MP for Bristol West from 2015 before losing her seat at the 2024 general election. Later that year, she was offered a peerage by Prime Minister KIER STARMER.

She is also the founder and CEO of Red Frock Ltd, providing strategic and communications advice to major arts and culture organisations across the UK.

Debbonaire is joined by BOB WILLARD WATTS, who takes on the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO).

Willard Watts is executive director at Creative Tunbridge Wells and a freelance consultant at Meanwhile Matters and has previously held management and strategic roles at organisations including Royal Ballet & Opera, Glyndebourne Festival, National Ballet of Japan and Momentum Worldwide.

Debbonaire said she was “delighted” to bring her professional background in music and experience in policy-making and politics to serve her new role, as well as a “deep and lifelong connection to opera in particular”.

“Opera as an art form is at such an exciting time, and there is such strength in the diversity of work, approaches, settings and people involved – we have a great story to tell. This story is one which needs to be heard more widely if we are to make sure opera sustains and develops into the future,” she added.

Willard Watts added: “Having worked in opera at many different scales, I know the impact that this wonderful art form can have.

“The launch of UKOA marks an important step forward for the opera sector. I look forward to working with the CEO, Board and wider sector to establish the association, and foster the collaboration that will allow the UK’s diverse opera sector to speak with a collective, powerful voice.”

The full founding membership of UKOA comprises: Birmingham Opera Company, British Youth Opera, Buxton International Festival, English National Opera, English Touring Opera, Garsington Opera, The Grange Festival, Glyndebourne, Longborough Festival Opera, National Opera Studio, Opera Europa, Opera North, Opera Rara, OperaUpClose, Pegasus Opera Company, Royal Ballet and Opera, Scottish Opera, Streetwise Opera, Tête à Tête and Welsh National Opera.

Debbonaire and Willard Watts will work with members of the UK Opera Association over the coming year to agree on the process for electing a board of directors.

An interim board, in place until autumn 2026 will be made up of Melvin Claridge, talent director at Pegasus Opera Company; Richard Davidson-Houston, CEO Glyndebourne; Mark Heholt, director of policy and strategy, Royal Ballet and Opera; Flora McIntosh, artistic director and CEO, OperaUpClose; Robin Norton-Hale, artistic director and CEO, English Touring Opera; Nicholas Simpson, executive director, National Opera Studio and Rachael Williams CEO Streetwise Opera.