We'll be home of the sopranos (and tenors and baritones)

DELIGHT AS ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA ON THE MOVE TO GREATER MANCHESTER

- JOSEPH TIMAN

THE English National Opera (ENO) is to make Greater Manchester its home.

The globally-renowned company, which is currently based in London’s West End, has announced that it is now working with local leaders on a plan to make the city-region its main home by 2029.

It comes after bosses at the organisation campaigned against a decision by Arts Council England to slash its funding unless it moves out of the capital. News that the ENO could be moving to Manchester, which emerged last year, was met with fury in some quarters.

But in July, an agreement was reached with Arts Council England in which £24m was awarded to the opera company to develop an artistic programme in a new base outside of London during the 2024-26 period.

After this, the organisation says it within will be firmly established Greater Manchester by 2029, delivering performances and other activities at existing venues across the city region.

The organisation will continue to own and manage the London Coliseum with plans for its annual season at the theatre to continue beyond 2029. However, the opera company says it is 'excited' by the opportunity to set up a new city base in Greater Manchester.

Interim chief executive officer Jenny Mollica said the organisation is 'delighted' to confirm the new partnership with the city region. She 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.