Young artist insight morning
A singing career is also a small business — and this morning is about running yours well. Sinead opens the day, setting up the theme of financial literacy for singers before Steve Phillips takes the 11.00 slot with Making Smart Career Decisions, unpacking how to weigh fees, contracts and opportunities so your choices build a sustainable career rather than just a busy diary. At 12.00, Isabella and Lottie join for Next Steps, turning the morning's ideas into practical action. Frank, useful, and built for singers who want their talent to pay properly.
10.00 Sinead Pratschke - Orpheus Accounting
"The Business of Being an Opera Singer: How to Keep More of What You Earn."
How to set up a good system for your finances from the outset.
Things to consider when working abroad.
Being aware of MTD on the horizon and how to get a head-start on this.
11.00 Steve Phillips – Artist development
‘The Business of being an opera singer: Building a portfolio career’:
Following an early career in radio and television, Steve retrained as a singer in 2008. Subsequently he’s held producing, casting, chorus & company management roles at the leading companies and festivals in the UK, as well as the National Opera Studio. He ran Steve Phillips Management for five years, serving on the board of Opera Managers Association International (OMAI), and is currently Senior Producer at The Grange Festival and Director of Grasmere Song. He continues to consult on a freelance basis, with a particular focusing on young artists and mid-career development. Drawing on his own experience, he shares tips on how to adapt to changing circumstances and the challenging arts environment in order to build a portfolio career that works for you.
12.00
The Business of Being an Opera Singer ; Perspectives from an agent and casting director
'Izzy and Lottie dive into the reality of becoming an opera singer in 2026, sharing their perspectives as an agent and casting director respectively.
From fees and auditions to CVs, working in Europe and beyond, being a good colleague, and making the most of opportunities as a young artist, they’ll cover the reality of building a career in today’s opera industry.
Expect a whistle-stop tour of the industry with plenty of practical advice, and a good dose of honesty!