Royal Academy of Music names Head of Opera

Royal Academy of Music (RAM) has appointed CHRISTOPHER WHITE as Head of Opera, assuming the post in September 2024.

Over the past fifteen years, White has worked as an operatic musician, repetiteur, coach, assistant conductor and language coach with leading companies, including English National Opera, Glyndebourne, Bavarian State Opera, Opernhaus Zürich and Israeli Opera.

From 2016, he served as Head of Music at Deutsche Oper Berlin before becoming Head of Vocal Faculty Opera at RAM in 2023. 

Succeeding BRENDA HURLEY in his new post, White will lead the Academy’s postgraduate programme, preparing the next generation of opera singers for professional careers. 

RAM Principal JONATHAN FREEMAN-ATTWOOD said White is a "hugely capable and wide-ranging musician who will bring exceptional qualities to this important role". 

"His knowledge of the international opera scene will be invaluable for our students and provide added ballast to Brenda’s next role as Visiting Professor, helping shape the Academy’s work into our third century."

White commented: "Having recently 'come home' to the Royal Academy of Music after building my career internationally, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead Royal Academy Opera in its mission to provide world-class training for young singers at the outset of their careers.

"I took my first steps as an opera musician with Royal Academy Opera, and I know first-hand how much the institution has to offer its young artists."