The English National Opera makes its North West debut as Albert Herring arrives at The Lowry Theatre.
For the first time, The English National Opera (ENO) is being shared between its traditional London base and the North West as it features in Salford on Tuesday 21 October and Wednesday 22 October.
The 1947 show, which is written by Benjamin Britten, tells the coming-of-age story of a boy who goes from the son of a greengrocer to the May King.
The opera is set in rural England and is a comedy that follows two of Britten’s serious compositions, including Peter Grimes and The Rape of Lucretia.
This is the first time in history that the ENO will present Albert Herring. Alan Williams, professor of music composition at the University of Salford, hailed the landmark event:
“It’s really changing the cultural landscape of the Northwest of England, the ENO is one of the leading opera companies in Europe,” he said.
“There hasn’t been a huge audience historically within the Northwest region; it has been more in Liverpool and more in Leeds, where Opera North is based.”
He highlighted that the arrival of the ENO will improve access to the art form:
“There will be opportunities for students from all sorts of different backgrounds.
“It is also an opportunity for people to come to the opera for the first time and anyone who likes big Hollywood movies will like opera.”
The ENO was ordered by the Arts Council to move from the capital, or risk losing its £12m annual funding which opera needs particularly with its large cast size and scene creation.
The non-profit opera organisation, funded by Arts Council England, was awarded a £24m grant in 2023 as it was confirmed the ENO would move out of London by 2029, three years later than originally envisaged.
And the decision to bring Britten’s much-anticipated show marks the beginning of the company’s transition from the capital.
Albert Herring will also be showing on Wednesday night at The Lowry Theatre after debuting in London last week.
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