Tom Hawkes – opera director

Tom Hawkes was born in London, grew up in South Devon and studied at The Royal Academy of Music. He retired in 2017 after 55 years working in the theatre predominately as a director of opera. He has over 500 different productions to his credit. His work has taken him all over the world from Canada to New Zealand and Hong Kong to Trinidad. He has held many prestigious appointments in this country and abroad and been recognized with honour degrees for his service to music.

What has creating art meant to you over the last year?

Escaping from my caring responsibilities in the last year has saved my sanity. I became a full time carer for my partner, who has Parkinson’s in 2017. As a carer it is strongly recommended to have frequent breaks away. Although I have a fairly large garden and a small park opposite I have felt very cut off from the English countryside during lock down. I have tried to capture it in my studio relying on memories and photographs for inspiration. My Art has become my breaks from my responsibilities.