Antonio Pappano’s letter in support of English National Opera

This appears today in the Times:

Sir, We write in support of Humphrey Burton’s letter (Dec 8) about the serious situation facing English National Opera’s chorus. ENO is first and foremost a company of musicians. Plans to reduce its chorus members’ contracts and limit its productions to eight a season threaten to destroy ENO. Decisions have been made about the future of the company without public consultation despite its public subsidy. We call upon ENO’s board to engage in a public examination of ways to protect the company and reinstate a full season of opera at the Coliseum before irreparable damage is done to this much-loved organisation, which has played such a central role in the cultural life of this country.

Dame Janet Baker; Graham Clark; Dame Anne Evans; Sir David McVicar; Sir Antonio Pappano; Sir John Tomlinson

They are so right: the ENO situation requires a public inquiry, starting with its bullying, unconstitutional and altogether inept handling by the last two chairs and chief exec of Arts Council England.