Summary
Christopher Newell's principal interest is the performing voice. He was a professional opera and theatre director for 25 years mentored by Sir Peter Hall at Glyndebourne and the National Theatre.
He has a PhD in Computer Science and his research encompasses art and technology.
Dr Newell has contributed to the fields of computer-generated voices in creative contexts and for speech-related disabilities. He has also worked as a professional stage and multimedia designer.
Artistic directorships
- Modern Music Theatre Troupe, producing innovative, exciting music theatre, and pioneering education and community work. Productions included 15 new commissions, community operas, and education projects leading to performances. Played venues and festivals across the UK, abroad, and major London venues including the Queen Elizabeth Hall and the Place Theatre. Compositions included premieres by William Craft and John Adams (1985-1998)
- Pavilion Opera and Theatre Company, touring chamber opera and theatre internationally (1990-1992)
- The Grand Opera House York, hosting a programme of national and international theatre, music and conferences, 1989-1990
Awards
- MMTT was nominated for an Olivier Award (1994) and won the Prudential Opera Award (1995)
- Mid Wales Opera, for whom Dr Newell directed The Barber of Seville (Rossini), Die Fledermaus (Strauss), The Tales of Hoffmann (Offenbach), Rigoletto (Verdi), The Magic Flute (Mozart) and La Cenerentola (Rossini), was one of three companies short-listed for a Prudential Opera Award.