We celebrated our 5th Academy at a leading performing arts centre in a wonderful part of the world. The artistic level was extraordinary, but what moved me most was seeing the strength of the community that has grown around us.

Forooz Razavi, an Iranian soprano who has been part of our journey for several years, encouraged Dilan Şaka, a Turkish soprano, to apply and take a leap of faith with us. Seeing one woman reach out to another, recognise her talent and bring her into our community was a beautiful example of solidarity.

After five Academies, I realised that we are no longer simply building a community. Our aroperaforpeaceacademytists are building it with us, supporting one another and carrying its spirit forward. To witness that happening naturally, across countries and cultures, touched me deeply. It made me feel that what we started five years ago now belongs to something much bigger than us, and that, for me, is perhaps the most meaningful achievement of all.