Michael at the Business of Opera Conference

Last month, our Director, Michael McCarthy, joined the Business of Opera Conference, hosted by the Laidlaw Opera Trust, to help reimagine the future of opera. This exciting gathering brought together fresh audience insights, bold keynote addresses, and collaborative working groups aimed at reshaping the operatic world.

Michael was joined by Sarah Crabtree (Royal Ballet and Opera), composer Renell Shaw, and director Mathilda du Tillieul McNicol to tackle some of the most pressing questions in opera today:

• Where can we find innovation in musical storytelling?
• How can new partnerships encourage bold, risk-taking projects?
• Which traditional rules need breaking to create a more sustainable and inclusive future for opera?

During the event, Michael sat down with Princess Agina to dig deeper into the heart of these questions, and sparked thought-provoking discussions on how opera can evolve by embracing diverse voices and perspectives, challenging traditional norms, and connecting more deeply with modern audiences.

MTW’s vision for opera remains as inspiring as ever: a world where the boundaries of opera are not only pushed but redrawn.