Expanding Opera's Reach in Manchester
The English National Opera (ENO) is set to establish a permanent presence in Manchester, marking a significant shift in the company's strategy. This move aims to bring opera to new audiences and reimagine the art form's potential.
Nurturing Talent and Innovation
The ENO's Manchester operations will serve as a hub for developing new talent and experimenting with fresh approaches to opera. The Greater Manchester Youth Opera, for example, will seek to attract people to the artform through non-traditional means.
"Manchester is really going to be the engine room for making new types of opera," said ENO's artistic director. The city will host world premieres and productions that can only be seen locally, fostering partnerships with regional arts and music organizations.
Expanding Beyond London
While the ENO will maintain its substantial season at the London Coliseum, the Manchester presence signals a concerted effort to broaden the company's reach. By collaborating with local freelance performers and musicians, the ENO hopes to create opera that is more reflective of the communities it serves.
TL;DR
- The English National Opera is establishing a permanent base in Manchester to expand opera's accessibility and experiment with new approaches.
- Manchester will host world premieres and productions unique to the region, working with local arts organizations.
- The move aims to develop new talent and reimagine what opera can be, beyond the company's traditional London stronghold.
- The ENO seeks to make opera more reflective of the communities it serves through local partnerships.