OperaUpClose to welcome Steve Phillips as Executive Producer (Maternity Cover)
We are excited to announce that Steve Phillips will join the OperaUpClose team in September as Interim Executive Producer, covering maternity leave for Executive Producer and Deputy CEO, Ally Rosser. Artistic Director at OperaUpClose, Flora McIntosh, said:
“It’s an absolute pleasure to have Steve join us to cover Ally’s maternity leave. Steve will bring a wealth of experience and fresh energy to OperaUpClose at a time of exciting growth and development, stepping into the shoes of the wonderful and totally irreplaceable Ally Rosser. We wave Ally off for now on this next stage of her personal journey of growth and development as a parent, wishing her love, luck and happiness.”
Following an early career in broadcasting, Steve Phillips retrained as a singer at RSAMD, moving into Chorus, Casting and Company Management roles at Opera Rara, The Grange Festival, Opera North and Welsh National Opera. For five years Steve ran an artist management company and subsequently served as Communications Director of OMAI (Opera Managers Association International). With a keen interest in artist development, Steve also ran Oxenfoord International Summer School before launching Grasmere Song in 2025. Steve is delighted to be joining OperaUpClose in September, he added:
“For several years I’ve worked with touring companies; producing smaller-scale, devised work alongside larger main stage repertoire. Ranging from schools, refugee centres, bars, libraries and market stalls, this work has always felt immediate in terms of audience impact. This has been incredibly creative and rewarding.
OperaUpClose has an enviable track record of bringing the classics to life in new ways, for more audiences, in different spaces. Now part of the National Portfolio, their scale of ambition is exciting, while staying true to values of reinvention, partnership and talent development.”
Q&A with Steve Phillips
We took a moment to chat with Steve about his upcoming role, here’s what he had to say.
What are your views on the current position of opera as a whole, and how OperaUpClose are positioned in that picture?
Although economic and post-pandemic factors have hit the opera sector hugely, not to mention ongoing challenges around audience attendance, many talented opera makers seem hungry to reset and adapt. We need to do more than just survive though, we need to be fulfilled and show people why we love what we do.
OperaUpClose does this by looking outward; collaborating and experimenting with partners to connect with newcomers AND long-time opera enthusiasts. They tell relevant and familiar stories in creative ways, responding to the world around us and embracing digital innovation. Most importantly, OperaUpClose makes work that matters…and that lasts.
What would you say are your top career highlights in terms of creation and collaboration?
One of the biggest highlights was managing the Chorus for Aldeburgh Festival’s live performance/cinema release of Grimes on the Beach [pictured below]. In Britten’s centenary year, it was a landmark project that combined the Chorus of Opera North, freelance singers and students from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama with a celebrated cast and talented creative and technical teams. During rehearsals and performances, I vividly remember seagulls overhead, dogs barking in the village and shingle crunching under foot.
Another highlight was creating several films during the pandemic with the Chorus and Orchestra of Welsh National Opera, and students from Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, at a time when live performance wasn’t possible in Wales.
What qualities do you hope to bring to the table?
Having performed, produced and managed for various companies for twenty years, I‘m excited to take on this senior role at OperaUpClose at an important stage in their growth. With a keen interest in talent development and digital reach, I hugely look forward to working with Artistic Director Flora McIntosh to continue impacting audiences of all ages and backgrounds across the UK.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
I of course wish Ally all the very best for her maternity leave…and promise to keep things in good shape until she gets back
You can learn more about Steve on his website at www.stevephillipsmanagement.co.uk.
September and beyond
We have so many wonderful things to announce and share with you in the coming weeks, so please do ensure you’re following us on social media @operaupclose and watch this space for updates. You can learn more about ways to support OperaUpClose here.