Manchester is a city of deep culture and musical prowess, and now a prestigious institution is set to add to our roster. English National Opera (ENO) this week announced the first wave of plans for a major new partnership between the company and the city-region of Greater Manchester for the next three years, enabling ENO to be firmly established within Greater Manchester by 2029.
The ENO Greater Manchester partnership, which includes projects across the city-region, covers every aspect of opera production and celebrates new possibilities for the artform. This announcement represents the beginning of longer-term strategic partnerships with venues and organisations across Greater Manchester.
It will include major contemporary works, new work development in opera, presenting ENO signature classics, interdisciplinary experimentations, creating operatic experiences by, with and for communities, and developing the opera-makers of today and tomorrow.
Jenny Mollica, Chief Executive of English National Opera, said yesterday (November 21): “The projects we are announcing today mark the first wave of our developing partnership with Greater Manchester, which will be fully implemented by 2029. Working together over the last year, we could not be more clear that Greater Manchester is the right place to put down roots, a place where we can develop, expand and innovate.
“Where, building on the region’s legendary reputation as the heart of music making in this country, we can make a difference to audiences and communities, help invest in the next generation of talent and break new ground in the future of the artform – locally, nationally and internationally.”
The first wave of projects and partnerships announced includes:
- A new immersive production presented with Factory International, Improbable and Park Avenue Armory New York of Philip Glass and Robert Wilson’s opera Einstein on the Beach.
- A new production for the UK premiere of Angel’s Bone, the Pulitzer prize-winning contemporary opera by Chinese American composer Du Yun and librettist Royce Vavrek.
- Marking the beginning of a new partnership with Lowry, ENO’s production of Benjamin Britten’s classic comic ensemble opera Albert Herring, performed with the Orchestra of English National Opera.
- A newly staged concert version of Mozart’s Così fan tutte with the Chorus and Orchestra of ENO, presented at The Bridgewater Hall.
- The creation of a Greater Manchester Youth Opera Company in partnership with Greater Manchester and Blackburn with Darwen Music Hub.
- PERFECT PITCH, a celebration of opera and community football in a co-creation between Salford-based outdoor arts specialists, Walk the Plank, ENO, community groups and local football teams in the city-region.
- A city-region wide expansion of ENO Breathe, ENO’s award-winning creative health programme, originally created for people recovering from COVID-19 with Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “Greater Manchester has always been at the heart of the UK music scene, with a legacy and energy that’s second to none. We’re thrilled to welcome English National Opera to our city-region, as a partner in our ambition to inspire the younger generation and create real opportunities for our young people. Music is at the heart of our creative history. This move will bring fantastic opportunities for the development of opera across Greater Manchester.”
ENO’s Greater Manchester partnerships and programme will continue to develop alongside the continuation of annual seasons at the London Coliseum, and ENO’s nationwide education and health programmes. English National Opera is set to be firmly established within Greater Manchester by 2029.
Find out more on the English National Opera website, and get updates on the Instagram page.