Joe O’Neill will become Nevill Holt Opera⁩’s new Managing Director.

O’Neill will take up the post in September and will succeed Annie Lydford who will become the Chief Executive at The Academy of St Martin in the Fields.

He is currently the Senior Producer for the Education department at Shakespeare’s Globe where he has championed the growth of access to live performance for young people and families.

O’Neill said about his appointment, “I am very much looking forward to working with Nevill Holt Opera as the company continues to grow each year. Alongside its excellent performances of opera and concerts, NHO clearly has meaningful education work and artist development at its core. The company’s mission to widen access to brilliant live performance and participation is one that is close to my heart, and I am pleased to bring my own experience to ensure the success and growth of this important work. 2023 is NHO’s tenth anniversary year, and I am looking forward to working closely with Nicholas Chalmers, the Nevill Holt Opera team, and the Board to celebrate this milestone and to secure a tremendous future for NHO for years to come.”

Meanwhile, Nevill Holt Opera⁩’s Artistic Director Nicholas Chalmers said, “We are delighted to be welcoming Derbyshire born, Joe O’Neill to our team. We were impressed with the way he has sustained and grown the education program at Shakespeare’s Globe. His background in producing, audience development, and introducing young people to theatre makes him perfectly placed to build and broaden Nevill Holt Opera’s reach and long-term strategies. 2023 marks the tenth anniversary year of Nevill Holt Opera and I look forward to producing our education, community, and operatic work alongside Joe.”

Nevill Holt Opera recently concluded its 2022 summer festival which featured “La Bohéme” and “The Barber of Seville.”