Veteran Artist Manager Peter Bloor has Died, Aged 73

Born in Sydney, Australia, Bloor studied archaeology and anthropology at the University of Sydney before attending the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) to study stage management. 

In 1973, he joined what is now known as Opera Australia (OA), working for opera director Moffatt Oxenbould in the artistic administration team. During this time he got to know renowned Australian singers Joan Sutherland and Richard Bonynge. 

Bloor also contributed subtitles for OA productions — translating into English, operas from Italian, French, and German — and wrote subtitles for London’s Royal Opera House.

He settled in the UK in 1988, when he joined entrepreneur Lies Askonas as an artist manager, working alongside fellow manager Robert Rattray.

Soon appointed to the Board of Askonas Holt, Bloor worked in the company for 25 years, helping develop the careers of numerous singers, directors, and accompanists. He moved to the south coast of England after his retirement in 2013.

“Peter was a valued friend, mentor and colleague,” Askonas Holt wrote on their website. “He was quiet and thoughtful, deeply private, immensely cultured, and a great lover of literature, theater, and art. 

“His knowledge of voices and their repertoire was second to none,” the company continued. “He also possessed a wicked and dry sense of humor and adored the absurd, both in life and business. Selfless to a fault, he was hugely loved by both his artists and his colleagues who knew they could always turn to him, even in retirement, for advice, guidance, or just a friendly listening ear when needed.”

Our condolences to Mr. Bloor’s family, friends, and colleagues.