HOME | David Ward

David Ward is a freelance arts professional specialising in opera, presenting and fundraising

"Energetic and imaginative" (Bachtrack), "enterprising artistic direction" (The Stage), "wonderfully imaginative" (Review's Hub), "bold artistic leadership" (Ilkley Gazette)

on the work of Northern Opera Group

"Every fundraising application I have worked on with David has been successful and the process really rewarding. Highly recommended"

Gregory Nash (Cultural Strategist)

OPERA

David is the Artistic Director of Northern Opera Group, and has extensive knowledge of the more obscure parts of the repertoire ... He is an experienced director and programmer, and Board member of the Opera and Music Theatre Forum.

PRESENTING

David hosts and produces Operacast - the only general interest opera podcast. He regularly delivers talks and hosts panel discussions on opera, and has worked as a guest lecturer for the University of Leeds and Sheffield Hallam.

FUNDRAISING

David has extensive experience working in senior fundraising positions for arts organisations - including Royal Northern College of Music, Northern Ballet and the Leeds International Piano Competition - and supporting smaller scale organisations on developing strategies and fundraising on a project by project basis.

"This Cinderella project characterises Ward’s mindset. It’s not a question of what can’t happen but what can – and often the latter is much more diverse and expansive than one might at first have thought. As we discuss this film, it’s clear to me that David’s imagination goes into overdrive in adversity. Rather than lamenting the obstructions to original plans, there was rejoicing at the opportunity to do things differently"

Opera Now interview, November 2020