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Opera Europa is the leading service organisation for professional opera companies and opera festivals throughout Europe.  It currently serves 114 member companies from 35 different countries.  Its main office is in Brussels, where it is registered as a cultural organization in compliance with Belgian law.  Its governing Board is made up of 15 members chosen from the general membership and elected for 3 year terms.  An executive Director, Manager and Coordinator are responsible for managing the organization and for responding to members’ needs.

Membership subscriptions are set by the full membership assembly and are presently €2,700 per calendar year.

Conferences open to the general membership take place at least twice a year in alternating member cities.  Conference programmes focus on topics and developments of current practical interest, such as maximizing income, audience development, new technologies, human resources and PR/Marketing.  Conferences are especially useful for developing contacts for Europe-wide co-productions.

Opera Europa’s information systems (website, database, mailing lists) offer:

• one-stop, easy access to members’ websites
• up-to-date lists of key staff to facilitate communication and participation
• e-mail forums for specialist networking opportunities
• a comprehensive and updated database of members’ future production plans
• a collaborative marketplace for co-productions, rentals and exchanges
• full access to the casting and production tools developed by Operabase
• confidential financial profiles of many member companies

Opera Europa also offers reciprocal membership benefits with Opera America.

A quarterly newsletter keeps members informed of activities, conference programmes and professional issues affecting member companies.

Recent developments include:

• a thriving Technical & Production forum for exchanging information and good practice among member companies
• active forums for Marketing & Communications and Business & Finance with ongoing research projects responding to members’ needs
• a Fundraising Academy to share methods of securing private sector finance
• initiatives with the European Broadcasting Union and the IMZ
• a growing dialogue with the European Commission
• the first European Opera Days in over 100 theatres throughout Europe

Opera Europa specialises in advocating the international dimension of opera.  Its new dynamic offers all opera companies and festivals the ideal international platform for public information and presentation.

Nicholas Payne
Director of Opera Europa                                                                  
October 2008