Future of Opera Workshop Series
An experimental workshop exploring digital inclusion and innovation through human–AI improvisation.
Tuesday 19 May 2026
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
International Anthony Burgess Foundation, 3 Cambridge Street, Manchester M1 5BY
This workshop, part of Tuning into Opera, a research and engagement initiative from English National Opera and The University of Manchester, and the OperAI: Future of Opera series, invites participants to experience live opera reimagined through human–AI collaboration.
Led by Dr Alexandra Huang-Kokina, Bicentenary Fellow at the University of Manchester and director of Operactive Arts, and Dr Kamila Rymajdo, Research Fellow at English National Opera, the event showcases scenes from a newly created immersive sci-fi opera series both about and driven by AI. Witness performers collaborate in real time with adaptive AI systems, responding to live audience data, then participate yourself. As playful Yōkai, the mischievous spirits of Japanese folklore, you will get the chance to play in a gamified orchestra via your smartphone, directly shaping the performance.
Supported by Creative Manchester at The University of Manchester, this workshop explores how AI technologies can make opera more accessible, participatory, and relevant for 21st-century audiences.
4:00 PM – Welcome from Creative Manchester
4:15 PM – Tech demo
4:25 PM – Performance demonstration with Operactive Arts
5:25 PM – Break and audience survey
5:45 PM – Panel discussion
6:15 PM – Drinks reception
Dr Alexandra Huang-Kokina
Bicentenary Fellow in Music, University of Manchester. Pianist and creative director bridging music, literature, intermediality and digital creativity. Co-wrote, directed and produced immersive operas Yūrei (2025) and The Covenant (2026).
Dr Kamila Rymajdo
Research Fellow, English National Opera. Leads the Tuning into Opera initiative using mixed-methods research including surveys, interviews, community-led workshops and creative collaborations.
Bob Holland
Executive Producer, English National Opera. Over 25 years in opera production, overseeing diverse productions and international collaborations. Passionate advocate for innovation and inclusion in performing arts.
Jennie McCusker
Associate Director of New Work and Skills, English National Opera. Previously Head of Artist Development at HOME in Manchester and held senior roles at Young Vic, Royal Northern College of Music and Contact Theatre.
Lauren Monaghan-Pisano (Chair)
Director of Strategy and Partnerships, English National Opera. Leading company-wide strategy and partnerships with Greater Manchester. Previously Head of Creative Learning at the Barbican Centre.
Dr Jennifer Cearns
Lecturer in AI, University of Manchester. Digital anthropologist specialising in AI and algorithms in social life. Finalist for BBC New Generation Thinker Award. Also a professional classical soprano.
Olivia Moss
Soprano. Coloratura soprano known for contemporary repertoire. This season performs Oiwa in Yūrei: Ghost of the AI Empire and roles at Bergen National Opera Academy.
John Ieuan Jones
Baritone. Graduate of Royal Northern College of Music. Recent engagements with English Touring Opera and Mid Wales Opera. Jacob in Yūrei with Operactive Arts.
Rosalind Dobson
Soprano. Graduate of University of Cambridge, Royal College of Music, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and National Opera Studio.
Cliona Cassidy
Improvisation Coach. Irish soprano, composer and experimental vocalist working at the intersection of opera and improvisation. Member of Glasgow Improvisers Orchestra.
Amy Jolly
Cello. Awarded MA, DipRAM and PhD from Royal Academy of Music. Has appeared as principal player with BBC Philharmonic and Opera North.
Anna Tulchinskaya
Violin. Performs with Manchester Collective, United Strings of Europe and Sinfonia Cymru. Performed at Wigmore Hall and Queen Elizabeth Hall.
This workshop is a collaboration between three initiatives and organisations.
Tuning into Opera is a research and engagement initiative from English National Opera and The University of Manchester, exploring what it means to have a national opera company based in Greater Manchester. As ENO prepares to establish a new base in the region by 2029, this project invites local communities, artists and audiences to help shape a new chapter for opera reflecting the voices, stories and spirit of Greater Manchester. Led by Research Associate Dr Kamila Rymajdo, using a mixed-methods approach including surveys, interviews, community-led workshops and creative collaborations.
An international workshop series by Operactive Arts on human–AI improvisation and intelligent staging with opera communities worldwide. The series brings together leading opera houses and companies, innovators, independent artists, producers and those new to opera, to explore how AI can drive creativity-led innovation in the live arts.
Creative Manchester is an interdisciplinary platform based at The University of Manchester that champions research in creativity and creative practice, bringing together research communities with external stakeholders to explore new research areas and address strategic opportunities.
Experience opera reimagined through human–AI collaboration. Free to attend.