*
banner

ENO to move to Manchester

English National Opera will relocate to Manchester in 2029, although it will maintain its musical link to London.

eno
  ENO now moves to Manchester in 2029

It has been announced that English National Opera will relocate to Manchester in 2029.

It follows a protracted battle over funding that had seen Arts Council England threaten to cut its annual grant, whilst the organisation has been embroiled in further antagonism following the decision to axe 19 orchestral positions and employ its existing musicians on part time contracts.

Changes

That was followed by the resignation of Music Director Martyn Brabbins who stated: "This is a plan of managed decline, rather than an attempt to rebuild the company and maintain the world-class artistic output for which ENO is rightly famed."

It is understood that ENO had looked at relocation to Birmingham, Bristol, Liverpool and Nottingham, with ENO interim chief executive Jenny Mollica said: "As we continue to transition through significant change, today's announcement marks an important and defining moment for our remarkable company.

This future direction will see us continue to expand our role as a national institution — supporting our mission to create work with and for even more audiences across the country, alongside our annual season at the London Coliseum."

Joint venues

Manchester is said to be the biggest city in Europe without a resident opera company, although it is reported that the move will not see ENO established at a permanent new 'home', with performances given at the recently opened £240 million Aviva Studios arts centre as well as The Lowry Theatre.

In addition, ENO will continue to own the Coliseum in London and perform there each year.

No and yes

Although the proposed initial move to Manchester was not overwhelmingly welcomed — with Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham stating: "If you can't come willingly, don't come at all", he has reportedly more recently said that he is "immensely proud to be able to bring them to a new home here in Greater Manchester."

As we continue to transition through significant change, today's announcement marks an important and defining moment for our remarkable companyENO interim chief executive Jenny Mollica

Great news

The BBC website reported that The Lowry chief executive Julia Fawcett said that the decision was "great news for audiences", whilst John McGrath, artistic director and chief executive of Factory International, which runs Aviva Studios added that they looked forward "to developing a number of exciting new co-productions together".

However, at present it was not revealed what would happen to the existing members of the chorus, orchestra of technical teams after the move.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Music for isolation

Svalbard isolation inspires new CD release

July 3 • The forthcoming CD release from the acclaimed tuba and saxophone duo of Gideon Jukes and Rie Takeuchi is inspired by one of the world's most northern settlements.


Tone Halo

Tone Halo makes sound impression on global customers

July 3 • CalderpipsMusic's 'Tone Halo' makes a mark on the brass accessory market place.


Brass Band week

Nationwide span for Brass Band Week

July 3 • You can enjoy bands in the north, south, east and west of the country for the Brass Band Week of performances.


Cory

New President at Cory

July 3 • Long term supporter Ken Price has accepted the Band President role with Cory Band.


Brass Bands England - Brass Band Week

Saturday 5 July • Nation wide


Besses Boys' Band - Besses Boys' Band Summer Concert

Saturday 5 July • The Derby High School, Radcliffe Rd, Bury BL9 9NH


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band - Summer Concert

Sunday 6 July • Community Church Putney, Werter Road. SW15 2LL


Longridge Band - Anniversary Concert

Saturday 12 July • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Haverhill Silver Band - Proms Concert - St Ives

Saturday 12 July • Hill Rise Park, St Ives PE27 6SP


Ocean Brass

July 4 • Ocean Brass are inviting applications for a kit player, as we prepare for an exciting schedule of concerts and contests in the second section through 2025 and beyond! We rehearse Thursdays 8pm-10pm, Banister Park Bowls Club, Southampton, SO50 9HT


Haverhill Silver Band

July 3 • Haverhill Silver Band (championship section) seeks a PRINCIPAL CORNET. This is a superb opportunity to lead East Anglia's premier brass band on the concert and contest stage (including the Senior Cup and Whit Friday).


Chinnor Silver

July 3 • Our COMMUNITY BAND meet fortnightly on a Monday morning (next rehearsal 7th) and we welcome any players who want an extra blow.. We require no allegiance just come and enjoy the friendly blow with coffee and cake thrown in.(Its all free)


Lt Col David Barringer MBE

BMus (Hons)
Conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd