Opera Company NI

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is supporting a new musical venture that promises to reinvigorate local opera and raise its profile in the years ahead. Opera Company NI, funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, will incorporate the best resources from Castleward Opera and Opera Fringe to form a robust new creative enterprise, geared for the future. The new company, based in County Down, will create more training and development opportunities for local talent and add a dynamic new approach to opera, with productions tailor-made to appeal to modern audiences.

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland has appointed Roy Bailie, former board member of Castleward Opera, as chair of the new company, and Bryan Coburn, former chairman of Opera Fringe, as Vice-chair. Commenting on the formation of Opera Company NI, Roy Bailie said: 'I welcome the opportunity to work with Opera Company NI to develop local talent and help widen the social demographic and diversify the age range of the target audience. The board welcomes the challenge and looks forward to working in partnership with the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and other organisations in pursuit of our goals.'

The Arts Council is investing 374,000 pounds in the new company. Down District Council has also said it is keen to support the venture, which will continue to develop and grow opera in Down District. As well as staging its own productions, Opera Company NI will also work closely with regional partners to bring touring performances to cities, towns and villages across the country.

Rosemary Kelly, chair of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, commented: 'Opera is regarded as one of the most dramatic and emotive forms of art but it can sometimes have an image of exclusivity. We want to change that perception. Opera Company NI will provide new ways for local people to engage with opera, raising the standards of local performances as well as providing a platform to showcase the very best international artists.'

Over the coming months, Opera Company NI will appoint an artistic director whose task it will be to develop the company's vision and strategic/artistic direction, as well as devising the programme for its first season.

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is the lead development agency for the arts in Northern Ireland. It is the main support for artists and art organisations throughout the region, offering a broad range of funding opportunities through its Treasury and National Lottery funds.

Opera Company NI was legally constituted on 20 December 2009. Roy Bailie will hold the post of chairman for one year. After this time the board of The Opera Theatre Company will elect a new chair. An independent report, carried out by John Edmund and commissioned by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, examining opera provision in Northern Ireland is available to view via the link below.

Information: www.artscouncil-ni.org

Posted: 1 February 2010

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