Meet Laura White, NI Opera’s new Admin and Events Assistant

After completing my undergraduate degree in Music from Queen’s University Belfast, I went on to study a Master’s degree in Arts Management. As part of my studies, I was given the opportunity to undertake a placement with NI Opera, which provided me with invaluable experience and a great insight into the different aspects of the delivery of productions. 

During my placement I was involved in the production of La Boheme which took place in Carlisle Memorial Church, where I helped co-ordinate the day-to-day activities of the production and assisted audiences to ensure they had a positive experience. Alongside working on the production, I also spent time in the office supporting the day-to-day operations of the company.  This allowed me to develop my skills surrounding arts administration, communication, and event coordination. This experience gave me an excellent introduction to a career in the arts and reinforced my enthusiasm for working within this sector.  

Following the completion of my placement, I was delighted to be offered a role within the NI Opera team as Office and Events Assistant. In this role, I continue to support the organisation across a range of projects, particularly through communication with artists involved in upcoming performances and events. 

One of the highlights of my time with NI Opera so far has been working with the Morning Melodies series at both the Grand Central Hotel and Carlisle Memorial Church. These events have been a great opportunity to experience how NI Opera can bring music directly to audiences in a welcoming and engaging setting. I have thoroughly enjoyed being involved in these events and seeing the first-hand positive impact the company has on individuals.  

Looking ahead, I am specifically excited for Carmen and the rehearsal period leading up to the production. Being involved in a project at this scale is a fantastic opportunity to continue learning from such a talented team of artists and arts professionals. I feel very grateful for all that I have learned so far in this journey and look forward to contributing to another exciting chapter with NI Opera. 

Find out more about the NI Opera team here

Find out about the QUB Arts Management MA and placement programme here