English National Opera appoints Helen Shute as new Chief Executive Officer

The current CEO of English National Opera will succeed Marcus Davey, who has led the Roundhouse since its redevelopment in 1999.

Michael Tilson Thomas, the American conductor, composer and educator, has died at the age of 81.

Karin Bergmann will oversee the 2026 Festival in the absence of Markus Hinterhäuser, the former Artistic Director who was dismissed in March. 

The LA Phil's new post, beginning in the 2026–27 season, will complement the position of Creative Director in the absence of a Music Director after the departure of Gustavo Dudamel.

Turnage’s opera Festen was among the works and musicians honoured at the 2026 RPS Awards, who also include Peter Moore, Elizabeth Alker, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and the Kirkaldy Orchestral Society. 

Commissioned by the National Symphony Orchestra and was due to be premiered at Washington DC’s Kennedy Center, but was withdrawn by the composer in protest over President Trump’s actions.