Following our autumn conference in Turin, our team reflect on their best moments from the three days.
Looking back on the wonderful days spent in Turin, I think it is safe to say that I will never forget my first Opera Europa conference. After weeks of preparation, it was a great privilege to meet so many of our members in person, and an honour to introduce Opera Europa to our new members and first-time attendees. The coming together of the music departments was extremely stimulating. Debates that looked boldly and positively to the future and that showed the strength of these departments to be powerful drivers for change.
Thanks to the wonderful team at the Teatro Regio for being such amazing hosts and thanks to our members for these three intense days of sharing and exchange: what a pleasure to welcome you all!
Gemma Coll Torra – Membership & Services Manager
Our session, An Application for the Recognition of Opera as Intangible World Cultural Heritage, sparked an engaging and honest discussion about the potential effectiveness of such an endeavour. Valentí Oviedo (Barcelona) spoke passionately in favour of the idea, while Jan Burian (Prague) expressed some reservations. Meanwhile, Merle Fahrholz (Essen) shared insights into the considerations being given in Germany towards an application for the recognition of the German ensemble and repertoire theatre model, as well as the country’s national orchestral landscape. This conversation marked a first step in what will undoubtedly evolve into an ongoing and dynamic dialogue.
During our first in-person gathering for Orchestra and Chorus Managers, we explored varying retirement ages and emphasised the importance of preparing these groups for potential second careers in theatre, alongside the emerging opportunities within the broader theatrical environment.
Our discussions on the Role of Opera and Ballet in Cultural Diplomacy featured a lively panel discussion. Sultan Al-Bazie (Riyadh) made a heartfelt plea to avoid positioning the arts as mere extensions of politics. At the same time, Ignacio García-Belenguer (Madrid), our president, highlighted the value of fostering partnerships that can lead to successful international tours.
Karen Stone – Executive Director
Since its creation in 2019, it was the first time that World Opera Day took place during a conference. It was a challenging combination, but a fantastic opportunity to bring the celebration to the heart of the conference, and it was lovely to connect around the topic of ‘Benvenuti all’Opera’! As the national RAI channel was present during the three days, it also was a great chance to have mediatic coverage of the conference and World Opera Day on Italian Radio and TV. Thank you, Teatro Regio, for making this possible and thank you… for the amazing food!
Another highlight of the conference was definitely the State of Culture & the new priorities for the EU session, during which we discovered a fascinating study on the Cultural sector run by Culture Action Europe, which was discussed in presence of Georg Häusler, Director of Culture, Creativity & Sport in the European Commission.
Célia Grau – Sustainability & Special Projects Manager
Following the energising but logistically challenging spring conference in Vienna, it was quite nice to have a single theatre at the heart of our conference. Teatro Regio di Torino managed to make us feel very warmly welcomed and the team provided unlimited support and always with a smile!
It was intriguing to watch the three interpretations of Manon… and even more so as some of us were lucky enough to be able to watch the action from the wings.
And how about the food…
Aline Chif – Communications & Operations Manager
After 15 years attending Opera Europa conferences, this was my first as a member of the team! In some ways, it was like being in production week – lots of planning culminating in the synthesis of many different strands, gathering large forces, long days and team spirit.
Getting an in-depth glimpse into the world of Chorus and Orchestra Managers at the workshop was fascinating, and such a pleasure to get to know new colleagues, as ever. I was struck by the words of our generous host, Mathieu Jouvin: “Really the meaning of the conferences is being together.” Yes indeed.
Finally, I would not be willing to admit how many times I visited the cheese table at the reception on the final evening. Suffice to say, I left on first-name terms with the Maestro del Formaggio!
Hannah Griffiths – Associate Director, Development & Collaborations
Occasionally, even people who spend their working life streaming operas get to stand on stage in front of real people. For me, the Turin conference was the opportunity to stand in front of the assembled delegates to present Opera Europa Next Generation on behalf of our 44 partner companies and all my colleagues, who put so much into getting this platform through the rigours of European Commission funding selection. With some relief, I left the stage after my presentation to take a seat in the front row to enjoy the recital by emerging artists from the Regio. And my conclusion? How lucky are those who get to hear good singing up so close and, for the rest, how privileged I feel to be able to bring fine voices - of all ages - to people around the world via streaming!
Luke O'Shaughnessy – Associate Director, OperaVision
In Turin, I couldn't help but think back to my last time there in 2012 as an Opera Europa Young Delegate—a think tank of wide-eyed enthusiasts and espresso-fuelled ideas. Returning now as a seasoned communications professional, it was fantastic to reconnect with colleagues and delve into the details of today's opera landscape. The digital and audiovisual sessions were stimulating, exploring creative solutions for funding and audience engagement. Looking ahead to the next phase of OperaVision in 2025-28, these conversations, both formal and over coffee breaks, were very enriching.
Joan Soley – OperaVision Social Media
Thank you to all our colleagues for talking us through the changes in audiovisual producing and for sharing very concrete examples of virtual reality applied to the performing arts. I left Turin with new ideas for OperaVision and even more excited for Opera Europa Next Generation. And how inspiring it was to meet fellow Opera Management Course alumni and see how far they have come in their careers!
The only downside of these three days? There were only three Manon!
Matthieu Fons – OperaVision Platform Manager
It was heart-warming to see so many of our Opera Management Course alumni come together, rekindle their complicity, and meet their peers from other classes.
Our Dance forum also appreciated being involved again in main panel discussions, as their presence opens the doors of communications within theatres and supports better understanding on both sides of the mirror.
I am ever so grateful for the wonderful Opera Europa team. Their availability and willingness to serve our members, the relationships they build with our participants, and their strong belief in our work makes it all the more fun!
Audrey Jungers – Managing Director
