Opera North Names Successor to Longtime General Director

Laura Canning will take over from Richard Mantle, who ran the company for almost three decades

Laura Canning joins Opera North from a position as the Director of Artistic Administration at Garsington Opera, a role she has held since 2015. Her experience in arts administration is wide-ranging and extensive: she has completed long stints as the Artistic Administrator at the Welsh National Opera and as Studio Director at Houston Grand Opera.

Canning's experience in opera administration stretches right back to her university days. While studying for a degree in modern languages at Cambridge, she also worked backstage in the university theatre. The early part of her career was spent managing singers, alongside the legendary agents Athole Still and Harold Holt.

"I am so excited to join Opera North at this crucial time in its development and to build on Richard’s enviable achievements," Canning said.

"I have long admired the company’s artistic ambition, the strength and innovation of its outreach work and the world-class quality of its performers and staff. I am looking forward to working with this exceptional team to continue to bring the joy of opera to our communities, and to advocate for the artform across the country."

"I am truly delighted by Laura’s appointment and very pleased to welcome her to Opera North," said Richard Mantle. "I am extremely confident and optimistic that Laura is the right person at the right time, and that she will prove to be an inspiring leader for this great company."

"Her experience and knowledge of the UK and worldwide operatic landscape, together with her espoused values of excellence, inclusivity and resilience will stand her in good stead at a time when opera in the UK is coming under scrutiny," he added.