Skip to main content

Meet the Development team

Kayleigh Glasper – Director of Development

kayleigh.glasper@operanorth.co.uk | 07951 499 592

I am Director of Development at Opera North, where I lead fundraising and build meaningful partnerships that help bring extraordinary music and creative experiences to communities across the North.

Before joining Opera North, I worked in fundraising and advancement across the arts and higher education, including roles at Nottingham Trent University, the Royal College of Music and Loughborough University. I love working with donors, alumni and partners to make ambitious ideas a reality and create lasting impact.

Originally trained as a musician, I hold a BA (Hons) in Music from the University of Nottingham and spent five years playing with the Nottinghamshire Band of the Royal Engineers in the Army Reserves.

Outside of work, music is still a big part of my life, alongside gardening and spending time with my very fluffy German Shepherd. 

 

Richard Cross – Supporter Engagement Manager

richard.cross@operanorth.co.uk | 0113 223 3553

I am Supporter Engagement Manager at Opera North, I look after Individual Giving at the Company, which includes working with all our incredible Friends, Patrons and regular donors. I also manage our fundraising campaigns, including our annual Christmas appeal and I am responsible for our Legacy Giving initiatives.

I find our supporters’ passion for music and opera inspirational and sharing their love of the Company at events and performances, watching them get closer to the Company they love, is incredibly rewarding.

I originally studied Drama & Theatre Studies at Aberystwyth University. Upon graduating I worked in Musical Theatre for 6 years firstly on the stage crews of the West End Musicals, Billy Elliot & Wicked, before moving to British Youth Music Theatre as Casting and Young Company Manager. More recently I worked with Northern Ballet as Development Executive.

When I am not at the theatre, I am a passionate runner, running 30 miles most weeks. I volunteer at my local parkrun in Bramley, and I am a member of Abbey Runners in Leeds.

Eleanor Klouda – Stewardship and Events Manager

eleanor.klouda@operanorth.co.uk | 0113 213 5640

I am the Stewardship and Events Manager at Opera North, and I’m responsible for organising and delivering our Patrons and Friends events programme, which allows supporters to gain exclusive behind-the-scenes insights into work delivered across the Company, from main stage opera and orchestral activity to our work with young people.

Being able to give back to our supporters, many of whom have been champions of the Company since it’s very beginning, is a joy and something I never take for granted.

I studied Drama at the University of Manchester and have since performed at Buxton Opera Festival in Jonathan Dove’s The Enchanted Pig, and more recently played Carrie Pipperidge in Rogers and Hammerstein’s Carousel. After graduating, I worked in a bookshop and then as Events Coordinator for Harrogate International Festivals, before joining Opera North in 2023.

When I’m not at work, you’ll usually find me reading, sewing, at reformer pilates, or singing as a member of my local choir, Leeds Festival Chorus.

Molly Cudia – Development Operations Manager

molly.cudia@operanorth.co.uk

I am the Development Operations & Prospect Research Manager at Opera North. I’m primarily responsible for prospect research, CRM and data management, and financial monitoring and reporting.

Prior to joining Opera North, I worked in executive support and as a copywriter. I originally joined Opera North five years ago as Executive Assistant to the General Director and have since worked across human resources and EDI, before moving into the Development department. I feel very lucky to have worked across so many areas of the organisation alongside the passionate people and supporters who make Opera North so special.

I am originally from Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA, where I studied Film at the University of New Mexico. As part of my degree, I spent a year abroad at the University of Leeds, an experience that ultimately led me to make Yorkshire my home.

Outside of work I enjoy taking dance classes and performing, writing poetry, seeing live music, cooking + pickling things, going on rambling walks, and spending time with my loved ones. Most importantly, I enjoy taking care of my ruby spaniel named Spud, who is my pride and joy.

Ciara Nolan – Supporter Engagement Executive

ciara.nolan@operanorth.co.uk | 07432 205 672

I am the Supporter Engagement Executive at Opera North, where I support our Individual Giving initiatives. I help look after our regular donors and our Friends, Patrons and Amplify programmes, while also contributing to campaign development throughout the year.

I moved to Leeds in 2019 to study Languages, Cultures and Film Studies at the University of Leeds. I primarily studied Spanish, while also dabbling in Portuguese and Arabic. I am a lover of the arts and a huge fan of the arts and cultural scene here in Leeds, outside of work, I volunteer at the wonderful Hyde Park Picture House.

Before joining the Development team, I worked as a Reception Assistant here at the Howard Opera Centre. It was a brilliant introduction to Opera North, giving me the opportunity to get to know colleagues across the Company and meet many of our fantastic audience members. I’m really enjoying working more closely with supporters and seeing the difference their generosity makes to the work we do.

In my free time, I enjoy reading, cooking, painting, and spending time with family and friends. I have always loved music and singing; I grew up playing the piano and am currently a member of the Leeds-based barbershop chorus, The White Rosettes.

Billy Harrison – Development Assistant

billy.harrison@operanorth.co.uk

I am the Development Assistant at Opera North, where I work mainly on the programme of Stewardship events we run for our Patrons and Friends, as well as providing general administrative support for the team where needed.

I greatly enjoy getting to know the people who give so generously to Opera North; their invaluable support of the arts is truly heartening, and it’s always a delight to hear what they enjoy most about the company’s work.

I studied Music at the University of Leeds where I specialised in performing and analysing the music of French composers like Debussy and Messiaen and developed an obsession with singing in chamber choirs which has only worsened in recent years. After graduating I worked in a zero-alcohol bar in Manchester, travelled in India and Nepal, and then returned to Leeds where I soon joined Opera North.

When I’m not at work, I can be found performing folk and choral music in various guises, practicing the cello and piano when I remember to, meditating, and spending time with my friends.

×
Close

Search our site