Alison Allen-Gray

Alison Allen-Gray is a British librettist, author, and composer known for her contributions to opera for young audiences and her work as a novelist. With a background in both music and literature, Allen-Gray has created compelling works that blend accessible storytelling with lyrical and dramatic depth.

She is best known in the operatic world for writing the libretto to Zátopek!, a youth opera composed by Emily Howard and commissioned by the Royal Opera House in London. The opera, which premiered as part of the Cultural Olympiad in 2012, tells the inspiring story of Czech long-distance runner Emil Zátopek and was celebrated for its empowering themes and dynamic storytelling tailored to young performers and audiences.

In addition to her work in opera, Allen-Gray is a successful young adult novelist. Her debut novel, Unique, won the 2004 Times/Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition and was praised for its thought-provoking exploration of identity, science, and ethics. She followed this success with other works, including By Face Alone, showcasing her gift for emotionally resonant and morally complex narratives.

Allen-Gray’s dual career in music and fiction has made her a distinctive voice in contemporary storytelling. Her libretti often emphasize clarity, emotional accessibility, and relevance to young people, while her fiction tackles themes of self-discovery and human connection.

Whether writing for the page or the stage, Alison Allen-Gray brings a thoughtful, creative, and humanistic approach to her work, helping to make high-quality arts experiences more inclusive and engaging for the next generation.