The Team

The People Behind the Commission.

Every London Youth Opera commission is supported by a small group of experienced practitioners who guide each project from first idea to opening night.

Throughout the commissioning process, you’ll work collaboratively with the team — sharing ideas, refining the work and preparing it for performance by our young company.

The Commissioning Team

Guiding every new work.

Grace Barnes

Acting Chair of the Commissioning Team

Grace is a playwright and director specialising in opera and musical theatre. She is an experienced dramaturg and mentor to new writers, and assists in the development of new work from the first draft and through the rehearsal process.

Nicholas Kraemer

Commissioning Team

Founder of W11 Opera (now London Youth Opera)

Nicholas is a conductor and founder of W11 Opera (now London Youth Opera). His long association with the company helps ensure every new commission builds on more than fifty years of creating opera for young performers.

Alastair Chilvers

Commissioning Team

Musical Director

Alastair works closely with each writing team throughout the commissioning process, acting as the bridge between the writers, the charity and the young performers. From the earliest ideas through workshops, revisions, rehearsals and performances, he helps ensure every opera is both artistically ambitious and practical for the company to bring to life.

London Youth Opera

The wider stewardship.

Clara Andersson

Chair of Trustees

Clara leads the Board of Trustees, supporting the long-term artistic vision and future development of London Youth Opera.

Contact

Questions are always welcome.

alastair@lyo.org.uk