Latest news with #FionaAllan
Sydney Morning Herald
3 days ago
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
Opera Australia names new leaders after 12 months of turmoil
Opera Australia hopes to draw a line under an extended period of uncertainty in its senior managerial ranks with the appointment of a new CEO, music director and board chairman. The company was thrown into turmoil when artistic director Jo Davies quit at the end of August 2024, after barely 18 months in the job. She was followed out the door by chief executive Fiona Allan in January, which left the company without a leader. Since then, Simon Militano has held the fort as acting CEO, with conductor Tahu Matheson as head of music. All three of the new – male – appointees are familiar faces, having had previous or current roles at the company. The new CEO will be Alexander Budd, who is well-known around Opera Australia (OA), from a 16-year stint there in a variety of roles before being appointed director of the Canberra Theatre Centre in early 2020. Italian conductor and composer Andrea Battistoni will be the new music director. Battistoni, 38, and a rising star in Europe is also no stranger to OA, having started conducting there in 2018. He will conduct Madama Butterfly and Turandot for the company next year. The trifecta is completed by new board chair Glyn Davis, who replaces Rod Sims, also the former chief of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. Davis was appointed chair of the OA board in November 2021. But he relinquished the board role in September 2022 when he was recruited by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to be secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. 'We have been working together since to ensure a smooth transition,' Sims, the outgoing chair, said. 'His extensive experience and proven track record guiding Opera Australia through the changes the performing arts sector is facing makes Glyn the ideal leader to help OA navigate our next important chapter.'
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- Business
- The Advertiser
Opera Australia gets new boss amid 'serious challenges'
Opera Australia has appointed Alex Budd as its new chief executive officer, seven months after Fiona Allan abruptly left the nation's largest performing arts company. Opera Australia has been on an executive recruitment drive after Ms Allan's shock exit in January, just three years into her role, and as it tries to turn around 2024's box office slump and an operating deficit of $10.6 million. It is also trying to bounce back from 2024's loss of Jo Davies as artistic director, which it blamed on differences of opinion on artistic innovation and commercial imperatives. In a statement, the company said the appointment of Mr Budd, a former Opera Australia employee and current director of Canberra Theatre Centre, would strengthen its " place as the nation's premier opera company". Other key appointments were Glyn Davis as board chairman and Andrea Battistoni as music director, it said. "Alex Budd brings to OA extensive performing arts expertise with proven commercial capability," Professor Davis said. "His leadership will secure an artistically rewarding and sustainable future for Opera Australia. "Recent years have thrown some serious challenges at the company, handled with dedication and determination by the Opera Australia team. "Alex will build on their achievements and develop new opportunities for partnership and joint productions." Opera Australia, marking its 70th anniversary in 2025, earlier this year announced a return to some of its milestone productions. Its Sydney 2026 program includes Moffatt Oxenbould's production of Madama Butterfly, and Graeme Murphy's The Merry Widow. In Melbourne, the company's first new production of La Boheme in 15 years, as well as La Traviata directed by Sarah Giles, are highlights. Opera Australia has appointed Alex Budd as its new chief executive officer, seven months after Fiona Allan abruptly left the nation's largest performing arts company. Opera Australia has been on an executive recruitment drive after Ms Allan's shock exit in January, just three years into her role, and as it tries to turn around 2024's box office slump and an operating deficit of $10.6 million. It is also trying to bounce back from 2024's loss of Jo Davies as artistic director, which it blamed on differences of opinion on artistic innovation and commercial imperatives. In a statement, the company said the appointment of Mr Budd, a former Opera Australia employee and current director of Canberra Theatre Centre, would strengthen its " place as the nation's premier opera company". Other key appointments were Glyn Davis as board chairman and Andrea Battistoni as music director, it said. "Alex Budd brings to OA extensive performing arts expertise with proven commercial capability," Professor Davis said. "His leadership will secure an artistically rewarding and sustainable future for Opera Australia. "Recent years have thrown some serious challenges at the company, handled with dedication and determination by the Opera Australia team. "Alex will build on their achievements and develop new opportunities for partnership and joint productions." Opera Australia, marking its 70th anniversary in 2025, earlier this year announced a return to some of its milestone productions. Its Sydney 2026 program includes Moffatt Oxenbould's production of Madama Butterfly, and Graeme Murphy's The Merry Widow. In Melbourne, the company's first new production of La Boheme in 15 years, as well as La Traviata directed by Sarah Giles, are highlights. Opera Australia has appointed Alex Budd as its new chief executive officer, seven months after Fiona Allan abruptly left the nation's largest performing arts company. Opera Australia has been on an executive recruitment drive after Ms Allan's shock exit in January, just three years into her role, and as it tries to turn around 2024's box office slump and an operating deficit of $10.6 million. It is also trying to bounce back from 2024's loss of Jo Davies as artistic director, which it blamed on differences of opinion on artistic innovation and commercial imperatives. In a statement, the company said the appointment of Mr Budd, a former Opera Australia employee and current director of Canberra Theatre Centre, would strengthen its " place as the nation's premier opera company". Other key appointments were Glyn Davis as board chairman and Andrea Battistoni as music director, it said. "Alex Budd brings to OA extensive performing arts expertise with proven commercial capability," Professor Davis said. "His leadership will secure an artistically rewarding and sustainable future for Opera Australia. "Recent years have thrown some serious challenges at the company, handled with dedication and determination by the Opera Australia team. "Alex will build on their achievements and develop new opportunities for partnership and joint productions." Opera Australia, marking its 70th anniversary in 2025, earlier this year announced a return to some of its milestone productions. Its Sydney 2026 program includes Moffatt Oxenbould's production of Madama Butterfly, and Graeme Murphy's The Merry Widow. In Melbourne, the company's first new production of La Boheme in 15 years, as well as La Traviata directed by Sarah Giles, are highlights. Opera Australia has appointed Alex Budd as its new chief executive officer, seven months after Fiona Allan abruptly left the nation's largest performing arts company. Opera Australia has been on an executive recruitment drive after Ms Allan's shock exit in January, just three years into her role, and as it tries to turn around 2024's box office slump and an operating deficit of $10.6 million. It is also trying to bounce back from 2024's loss of Jo Davies as artistic director, which it blamed on differences of opinion on artistic innovation and commercial imperatives. In a statement, the company said the appointment of Mr Budd, a former Opera Australia employee and current director of Canberra Theatre Centre, would strengthen its " place as the nation's premier opera company". Other key appointments were Glyn Davis as board chairman and Andrea Battistoni as music director, it said. "Alex Budd brings to OA extensive performing arts expertise with proven commercial capability," Professor Davis said. "His leadership will secure an artistically rewarding and sustainable future for Opera Australia. "Recent years have thrown some serious challenges at the company, handled with dedication and determination by the Opera Australia team. "Alex will build on their achievements and develop new opportunities for partnership and joint productions." Opera Australia, marking its 70th anniversary in 2025, earlier this year announced a return to some of its milestone productions. Its Sydney 2026 program includes Moffatt Oxenbould's production of Madama Butterfly, and Graeme Murphy's The Merry Widow. In Melbourne, the company's first new production of La Boheme in 15 years, as well as La Traviata directed by Sarah Giles, are highlights.
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Business
- Perth Now
Opera Australia gets new boss amid 'serious challenges'
Opera Australia has appointed Alex Budd as its new chief executive officer, seven months after Fiona Allan abruptly left the nation's largest performing arts company. Opera Australia has been on an executive recruitment drive after Ms Allan's shock exit in January, just three years into her role, and as it tries to turn around 2024's box office slump and an operating deficit of $10.6 million. It is also trying to bounce back from 2024's loss of Jo Davies as artistic director, which it blamed on differences of opinion on artistic innovation and commercial imperatives. In a statement, the company said the appointment of Mr Budd, a former Opera Australia employee and current director of Canberra Theatre Centre, would strengthen its " place as the nation's premier opera company". Other key appointments were Glyn Davis as board chairman and Andrea Battistoni as music director, it said. "Alex Budd brings to OA extensive performing arts expertise with proven commercial capability," Professor Davis said. "His leadership will secure an artistically rewarding and sustainable future for Opera Australia. "Recent years have thrown some serious challenges at the company, handled with dedication and determination by the Opera Australia team. "Alex will build on their achievements and develop new opportunities for partnership and joint productions." Opera Australia, marking its 70th anniversary in 2025, earlier this year announced a return to some of its milestone productions. Its Sydney 2026 program includes Moffatt Oxenbould's production of Madama Butterfly, and Graeme Murphy's The Merry Widow. In Melbourne, the company's first new production of La Boheme in 15 years, as well as La Traviata directed by Sarah Giles, are highlights.
BBC News
10-08-2025
- BBC News
Five arrested after man injured in Crofton machete attack
Five people have been arrested after a man was attacked by a number of people armed with machetes following a car crash.A 27-year-old man remains in hospital with serious injuries after he was assaulted on Friday afternoon in Crofton, Wakefield. Police said his injuries were not believed to be men, two aged 26, a 27-year-old and a 34-year-old have been arrested in connection with the incident and remain in police custody.A 48-year-old woman has also been arrested and released on bail. The injured man was assaulted after a collision involving two cars on High Street near Lo's Insp Fiona Allan said West Yorkshire Police were continuing to investigate the said: "Colleagues in our local neighbourhood policing remain in the area today and I would encourage anyone with concerns or information to share, to speak with them." Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
BBC News
08-08-2025
- BBC News
Wakefield: Man seriously injured in Crofton group machete attack
A man was left seriously injured by a machete-wielding gang after a car crash in West received reports of a collision between two cars in the Crofton area of Wakefield at about 13:40 BST on Friday, which was then followed by a man being assaulted by a "number of people" armed with the large knives. The man was taken to hospital after the attack on High Street, West Yorkshire Police said, with his injuries described as serious but not life-threatening. The force appealed for anyone with information to come forward. A car was left at the scene, police said, with a further vehicle found abandoned in Sharlston Insp Fiona Allan said: "I would like to reassure the public that we are dedicating significant resources to investigating this incident to ensure that those involved are identified and arrested."We will also have an increased neighbourhood policing presence in the area to provide further reassurance to residents." Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
