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Opera and politics with Thangam Debbonaire

Opera Now

Release Date: 01/21/2026

As news breaks that Washington National Opera has left the Kennedy Centre under Trump's leadership, in this episode we are talking all about opera and politics.

Thangam Debbonaire joins Holly Baker to speak about her new position as CEO of the newly-formed UK Opera Association and Jonny teaches Hattie and Holly all about Wagner's impact on the design of theatres.

We also review the English National Opera's production of HMS Pinafore and compare Janáček's Makropulos Affair with the LSO and at the Royal Opera.

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Read Holly's piece on Washington National Opera here