The English National Opera (ENO) has announced its upcoming productions and initiatives in Greater Manchester as part of its relocation from London.
The move follows a controversial 2022 directive by Arts Council England, which tied the company’s £12 million annual subsidy to a demand to leave the capital, aimed at “levelling up” arts funding across the UK.
ENO plans to be fully established in Greater Manchester by 2029 but will begin staging performances there from 2025.
Productions will take place at venues like the Lowry, Bridgewater Hall, and Aviva Studios.
Announced highlights include:
- Albert Herring by Benjamin Britten at the Lowry in October 2025.
- A staged concert of Mozart’s Così fan tutte at the Bridgewater Hall in February 2026.
- The UK premiere of Pulitzer-winning Angel’s Bone at Aviva Studios in May 2026.
- Philip Glass and Robert Wilson’s Einstein on the Beach, directed by Phelim McDermott, in spring 2027.
The ENO will also establish a Greater Manchester Youth Opera Company for young people aged 13 to 16 and launch initiatives like Perfect Pitch, a grassroots football-focused project exploring how mass singing impacts team performance and fan experience.
Artistic director Annilese Miskimmon described the relocation as marking “a bold and confident future for opera in the UK,” while chief executive Jenny Mollica praised Greater Manchester as “a region of limitless creative possibilities.”
Despite these plans, the ENO’s journey to Manchester has not been without challenges.
The company initially resisted the move, prompting Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to remark, “If you can’t come willingly, don’t come at all.”
At a recent event, Burnham acknowledged the rocky start but expressed optimism, saying the ENO has shown its commitment to the region.
The relocation has also resulted in significant cuts to the ENO’s London-based orchestra and chorus.
Strike threats over proposed redundancies led to a compromise, with members receiving seven-month contracts.
Additionally, music director Martyn Brabbins resigned in protest over the cuts.
While the ENO will maintain an annual season at the London Coliseum, it plans to collaborate with Manchester-based groups like the Halle Orchestra and BBC Philharmonic and hire local freelance musicians.
Reaction to the relocation remains mixed.
Musicians’ Union leader Naomi Pohl welcomed the ENO’s plans but expressed concern about funding pressures and their impact on opera and ballet.
Equity general secretary Paul Fleming praised the new productions but argued the scale of the proposed Manchester season is insufficient to provide secure jobs or meet audience expectations.
As the ENO navigates its transition, its Manchester presence aims to blend large-scale traditional operas with experimental works, offering opportunities to engage with new audiences while preserving its London legacy.
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