Telegraph calls for ENO to be saved
NewsThe Tory newspaper ran an editorial today, urging the retention of London’s second opera company. The paper’s opera critic, Nick Kenyon, is a former ENO board member.
Since he would have been consulted about the editorial, that interest should have been disclosed.
Here’s the editorial:
Last week the BBC came to its senses and withdrew its threat to abolish the BBC Singers after a huge outcry showed how highly valued this expert group of musicians is.
Now, Arts Council England needs equally to respond to the wide-ranging complaints across the political and arts spectrum that have greeted its ill-judged instruction to English National Opera to leave the London Coliseum and move outside London, threatening hundreds of jobs.
The Coliseum is thriving, the quality of ENO’s work is outstanding, its audiences are young and lively. Its work complements that of the Royal Opera House. Arts Council England must work out a new deal with ENO that enables it to maintain its base at the Coliseum while performing more outside London, supporting its core mission of opera for all.
The Daily Telegraph’s editorial on ENO is absolutely right. It is a first class opera company doing important and forward looking work. Through its encouragement and nurturing of young singers, ENO provides a much needed platform for them to gain essential professional experience. The orchestra, chorus and stage technicians are second to none – as is their Musical Director, Martyn Brabbins. Not sure many people would care if Nick Kenyon was consulted on the editorial or not? No offence meant, Nick.
For once I agree 100% with The Daily Telegraph ! ENO provides the most accessible opera in England, especially in terms of price. ROH, Glyndebourne, and the country house setups are horribly expensive and exclusive, and have none of the brilliant schemes to introduce children and young adults to opera.
Been to the ROH countless times and have never regarded myself as a frequenter of exclusive places. On the other hand, recent comments below the line in the Guardian suggest that many people regard the ENO as very exclusive.
It’s all about perception of course and, unfortunately, opera in the UK has an image problem which should be getting better, but isn’t. ACE. the BBC, TV generally, the press (this editorial notwithstanding) and parts of our education system, don’t appear to be interested.
ENOs free youth tickets and SEN friendly performances make it far from exclusive.
The Graph is responsible for so much promotion for the Tory party it should be ashamed of itself.