As a founding member of the UK Opera Association (UKOA), we’re really happy to share the news that Thangam Debbonaire will lead the body as its first Chief Executive Officer, with Bob Willard Watts as its Chief Operating Officer.

UKOA will champion opera in the UK and promote its significant contribution to national life. By uniting the sector, we will work together to broaden access, grow audiences, and highlight the vital cultural and economic role opera plays in the UK.

Thangam has been instrumental in developing the UKOA, and we’ve very much enjoyed working with her on lobbying for the opera sector already. Meanwhile, among Bob’s many accolades is his experience with Tête à Tête , having previously worked on productions before serving as our technical director for a year or two.  As a small rung on his ladder we are delighted to see his many skills once again put at the disposal of the opera sector.

Tête à Tête has a proud history of working with others in the sector, from the dozens of companies in our annual Festival to collaborations with Big Six companies and major orchestras. We’re looking forward to the next steps.