There was a really interesting announcement from the COC earlier today.  To cut a long story short it announced that the four principals of Amplified Opera; Teiya Kasahara, Marion Newman, Asitha Tennekoon and Aria Umezawa, would become “Disruptors in Residence”.  I think this is a very positive move.  Many of us have been following the various conversations about evolving opera beyond being the preserve of (almost) dead white people to being an art form that more fully reflects the diversity of our communities.  I have to admit to being somewhat sceptical about how much of the energy and goodwill that has been generated will survive the return to some sort of post-covid normality.  It.’s surprisingly hard to make change in large, hierarchical organisations go viral.

I wrote about Amplified Opera’s history and vision when Asitha and Marion came on board and I don’t think I have a whole lot more to say about the company per se.  What I do know is that we have here four articulate, imaginative and almost scarily intense advocates for what they believe in.  I’ve learnt so much from the times I’ve chatted with each of them; formally and informally, and I know they have much to offer the COC.  Interesting times!