Former shadow culture secretary Thangam Debbonaire is to lead a new trade body representing the UK’s opera sector.
Founded by companies including Glyndebourne and English National Opera, the UK Opera Association (UKOA) aim is to strengthen opera across the whole of the UK.
The new organisation brings together an initial group of 20 opera companies including Royal Ballet and Opera, English National Opera, Garsington Opera, Glyndebourne, Scottish Opera, Streetwise Opera and Opera North.
The UKOA will act as a collective voice for the UK opera sector, aiming to ensure opera continues to evolve, reach wider audiences, and play a meaningful role in the UK’s cultural and economic landscape.
Baroness Debbonaire, a trained classical musician, lost her seat as the Labour MP for Bristol West in the 2024 General Election and has since taken a Life Peerage in the House of Lords.
She said of her appointment: “I’m delighted to bring my professional background in music and my experience in policy making and politics to serve this cause, as well as my deep and lifelong connections to opera in particular.”