Seán Doran

English National Opera has announced that Seán Doran has been appointed to a new key post of Artistic Director from April 2003. He leads a new management structure, working alongside the Music Director Paul Daniel, an Executive Director (a role currently fulfilled by Caroline Felton) and a Production Director.

Seán Doran has been Director of the long-established Perth International Arts Festival since 1999. Embarking on a four year programme under the Millennium Celebration Festivals 2000-2003 umbrella, he radically restructured the Festival, forging new partnerships with universities, local authorities and local arts communities, which acted as a springboard for nine new festivals. His initiative increased the Festival's operating budget from AUD 6.8m to AUD 10.8m over three years and built recognition as a truly international festival, renowned for its innovation, inclusiveness and cultural diversity. Born in Ireland, Doran is a former Artistic Director of the Belfast Festival and CEO of the UK Year of Literature and Writing. His early opera experience was developed as Artistic Director of the London-based music theatre ensemble Innererklang.

The search for a new Artistic Director was conducted by a selection committee, led by ENO's Chairman Martin Smith and Board Member John Tusa, with independent advice from Sir Richard Eyre and Michael Berkeley.

Information: www.eno.org

Posted: 13 February 2003

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