We're backing ENO
From Mr Peter Hewitt Sir: Tom Sutcliffe's piece on English National Opera (Arts, 10 August) paints an absurdly pessimistic picture of ENO's future and the future of opera generally. The Arts Council is certainly not involved in a 'redrawing of the UK's operatic map' to reduce pressure on its music budget. Alongside ENO, we have recently invested substantial resources in the opera. This year and next, funding for opera will increase by some £3 million with a further £29 million earmarked for capital and organisational development.
We can confirm that there are no plans for ENO to become a part-time company or to hire another orchestra in place of the company's own orchestra. We were consulted about the board's plan to change its management structure and we supported that plan. We have full confidence in the board and the senior management of ENO as they consider the options for the company.
The Arts Council invests a large amount of public funding in ENO and we are committed to it continuing as a full-time operation. Our priority is to ensure that ENO moves back into the restored Coliseum in the best possible artistic and financial health, able to present annual seasons of the highest quality opera to the widest range of audiences, and to continue to develop exciting and challenging work.
Peter Hewitt
Chief Executive, Arts Council of England London SW I
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