Matthew Bradley, our Operations Manager, on opportunities abroad…
As Northern Ireland Opera prepares to travel to Perth this summer with our acclaimed production of Eugene Onegin, I’m delighted to be joining the company as part of an exciting professional development opportunity.
Working behind the scenes at Northern Ireland Opera means no two days are ever the same. As Operations Manager, I work across almost every aspect of the company, helping to bring our artistic ambitions to life – from planning productions and managing projects to overseeing day-to-day operations, I help ensure the organisation runs smoothly while supporting its long-term development. Being part of a small team has given me the opportunity to gain experience across many areas of arts management, I have been in this field with a few different organisations over the past 10 years but I am always learning from the talented artists, colleagues and partners we work with.
The trip to Perth and working with Western Australian Opera offers a unique chance to continue that learning on an international stage. As part of the visit, I’ll have the opportunity to engage with another arts organisation and how they operate in a different cultural environment. I will work with WAO staff, and gain valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing opera companies around the world. Opera continues to evolve, and I’m particularly interested in exploring new ways of engaging audiences, developing partnerships and ensuring opera remains accessible and relevant to as many people as possible.
On a personal level, I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity. Professional development is essential in any career, but particularly within the arts, where innovation and adaptability are so important.
I’m proud to represent Northern Ireland Opera during this visit and excited to bring back new ideas, experiences and inspiration. I look forward to sharing more about this venture for the company in future newsletters.
Find out more about NI Opera’s production of Eugene Onegin here