Executive Team

John Berry CBE (Artistic Director) 

John is a globally-renowned artistic leader. As Artistic Director of English National Opera (ENO) from 2007-2015, his work with international opera houses and leading directors and composers won multiple Olivier, Royal Philharmonic Society and South Bank Show Awards and was seen in dozens of countries. John pioneered international co-production models in opera. As Co-director of commercial theatre company, Scenario-Two John combines his work creating musicals and plays with advising opera houses and festivals around the world. 

Loretta Tomasi OBE (Executive Director & Producer) 

Loretta is a leading arts consultant and finance professional. Loretta was Chief Executive of ENO from November 2005 to December 2013, having previously been Executive Director of ENO from May 2003 and led the company alongside Opera Ventures’ Artistic Director John Berry. 

Board Members

Sally Groves MBE (Chair) 

Sally is a dedicated and persuasive advocate for new music and has worked closely with orchestras across the UK and a range of British composers, such as Sir Michael Tippett and Mark-Anthony Turnage in her role at Schott Music from 1974 to 2014.  Sally chairs the Vaughan Williams Foundation, is a Governor of the Royal Society of Musicians and serves on several other musical trusts and foundations.

Nicholas Prettejohn

Nicholas has held senior positions at some of the UK’s leading financial organisations, and has a keen interest in the performing arts. Nick was a former Trustee at the Royal Opera House and is currently Chairman of the Royal Northern College of Music. Nicholas has recently been announced as the next Chairman of Trinity Mirror. 

Paul Zisman

Paul was Chairman of London Sinfonietta and currently chairs The Cardinall’s Musick and Georgian Group. He has been a Trustee of The Young Vic Theatre. He has a passion for new music and opera. He is Managing Partner of Europa Partners, advising media, technology, intellectual property and professional services companies.

Artistic Advisors

Sarah Billinghurst

Sarah previously spent 20 years as Assistant General Manager for artistic affairs at the Metropolitan Opera. Prior to that role, Sarah spent over 20 years in opera administration, including roles at the San Francisco Opera and Kirov Opera.

Sir Jonathan Mills

Sir Jonathan is a composer and director of major international arts festivals, including the Edinburgh International Festival, which he led between 2006 and 2014. Qualifying as a Master of Architecture, specialising in acoustic design, Sir Jonathan has written opera and ballet that have been performed at venues including the Sydney Opera House and the Barbican, London.