McIntosh to lead OperaUpClose

OperaUpClose (OUC) has appointed FLORA MCINTOSH as Artistic Director.

She will take over from ROBIN NORTON HALE, who has left to become General Director at English Touring Opera (ETO).

McIntosh is a singer, actor and storyteller who has performed across Europe and the UK. She is also a facilitator and teacher, having assumed the advisory position of OUC Artistic Associate in 2019. Since then, she has been responsible for shaping artistic content and direction, as well as implementing a fundraising strategy during the pandemic and throughout OUC's recovery. 

In her new role, McIntosh aims to establish OUC as a resident partner company at MAST Southampton, a multi-art form cultural hub, and develop lasting multi-disciplinary partnerships. 

McIntosh says it is an honour and privilege to take on this position. 

“This is a major transformational stage of OUC’s development and a thrilling opportunity to develop our reputation as a truly innovative force in UK opera,” she also said.  

OUC’s Chair, ABIGAIL TOLAND, said the board is delighted to welcome McIntosh as Artistic Director. 

“Flora has impressed us with her clear vision for OperaUpClose – building on all that Robin has achieved and now taking the company forward into an exciting future of creative collaboration,” Toland added.