 Press Release Wednesday 16 September 2026Royal Ballet and Opera announces two major new programmes for new work, innovation and artistic development Royal Ballet and Opera (RBO) today launched a major new initiative to shape the future of ballet and opera, establishing two pioneering new programmes to support emerging talent, inspire new artistic work and strengthen the performing arts sub-sector’s long-term development.As one of the world’s leading cultural organisations, RBO has a responsibility not only to preserve artistic excellence, but to continually renew it. This commitment places the creation of new work at the heart of its future, investing in the artists, ideas and audiences that will shape ballet and opera for decades to come.The announcement is anchored in two flagship programmes: The Royal Ballet: FUTUREWORKS, a five-year programme to nurture choreographers working in classical ballet, offering a consistent infrastructure to support their development; in partnership with London City Ballet and with world-leading choreographers Wayne McGregor and Pam Tanowitz leading the first residential workshops. The Royal Opera: NOW (New Opera Works), a long-term strategy to commission, develop and support ambitious new opera. Together, these programmes establish a sustained and clear path for creating new work, moving beyond individual commissions towards long-term investment in talent, experimentation, and artistic growth. They will provide artists with the time, space and support needed to develop ideas, take creative risks, and bring new work to life, while strengthening RBO’s commitment to the future of both art forms. Netia Jones, Associate Director of The Royal Opera said:“We are reinvigorating our approach to commissioning and research and development to expand the future of the art form. Through commissioning at multiple scales, dedicated research and development support, and meaningful opportunities for both established artists and new practitioners, we are investing in the next generation of operatic voices.” Emma Southworth, Director of Creative Programming and Strategy of The Royal Ballet said:“Choreographers fundamentally need space, time and dancers, and very few ballet companies can offer these consistently. With the Linbury Theatre, Main Stage, Clore Studio and expanding digital capacity, alongside new investment and our partnership with London City Ballet, we are uniquely positioned to create a world-leading environment for choreographic innovation in classical ballet. The involvement of Wayne McGregor, Pam Tanowitz and Christopher Wheeldon as choreographic mentors is a powerful endorsement of our ambition as we make this commitment to the future of our art form.” Oliver Mears, Director of Opera, The Royal Opera said:“Today’s announcement is rooted in The Royal Opera’s overarching commitment to new work – the lifeblood of our art form. Our aim is to cultivate a thriving creative ecosystem in which opera can grow, evolve and flourish – ensuring its continued relevance for the future.” Kevin O’Hare, Director of The Royal Ballet said: “New work is an essential ingredient in the artistic identity of all dance companies. We are excited to launch FUTUREWORKS, working across the ballet sector to ensure ample opportunity for the creative vision of choreographers to flourish. We are proud of The Royal Ballet platforms already in place that encourage creative talent, and we see this as a fantastic next step, together with London City Ballet, in developing a rich choreographic future for classical ballet.” Chris Marney, Artistic Director of London City Ballet adds:“Playing a part in a rising artist’s journey is a profound privilege, and facilitating the growth of emerging choreographers is a deeply held shared ambition between London City Ballet and The Royal Ballet. Discovering new voices and providing a launchpad for nascent dance-makers is crucial to the future development of our art form. As a young company, we are incredibly proud to combine resources and uncover innovative ways of enabling these creative voices to speak, shape, and inspire the future of dance.” Arts Minister, Ruth Mackenzie said:“Congratulations to the Royal Ballet and Opera on offering this opportunity to composers, choreographers, and directors to take creative risks and develop new works.”FUTUREWORKS and NOW are an essential way to ensure we have the classic works of tomorrow, made by the emerging stars of today.” |
