Alex with Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy on a visit to the costume department at the Royal Opera House
What’s been the biggest challenge?
The world we live in now is a big challenge. We’re in chapter two of the most significant technological revolution in the history of humanity. We’re living in a time of widening wealth inequity, and dislocation between individuals and society, which is amplified by the echo chambers of social media.
This is what makes the arts more important than ever. We’re bringing together people into one shared space to reflect on universal human emotions – love, fear, loss, hope.
How can we encourage more people to support the arts?
We should lean into the fundamental importance of art as part of the human experience. When I speak in schools, I always think there’s a possibility that every person in the room could work at the Royal Ballet and Opera. Whether singing or dancing is their thing, whether they’re good at logistics or painting a set. Arts organisations offer numerous possibilities.
What’s next for you?
We’re in the middle of doing a new Ring Cycle. These four operas by Richard Wagner are the ‘Mount Everest’ for any opera house and the full cycle will open in 2027. Our new Music Director, Jakub Hrusa, also joins next year.
In July 2026, we’ll be hosting a conference on the intersection between AI and opera. But there’s so much more.
What advice would you give to alumni hoping to follow in your footsteps?
Try enough stuff out. Discover what really connects to you. Work out what you believe in and what you’re good at, and take it as far as it can go.
Read more about the other winners of our 2025 King’s Distinguished Alumni Awards here.