Laura Canning is a white woman with short brown hair, and wears a black tshirt. She stands against a grey background, smiling at the camera.

Photo: Oxford Atelier

Changing Faces

Canning named Opera North General Director and CEO

Arts Professional
2 min read

LAURA CANNING is Opera North's next General Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). 

She will replace RICHARD MANTLE OBE in December, who has been in post for 29 years.

Canning’s operatic career spans 25 years. She is presently Director of Artistic Administration at Garsington Opera and was previously Welsh National Opera's Artistic Administrator and Studio Director for Houston Grand Opera in Texas.  

At Opera North, she will develop a new artistic and business strategy for the company.

Chair PAUL LEE said Canning has demonstrated “immense knowledge and achievement in the world of opera coupled with an obvious sense of passion and love of this great art form”.

Mantle added: “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”.

“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,” Canning commented.

“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.”