ENO troubles

In February 2015 Arts Council England put troubled English National Opera under special funding measures, reducing the company's funding by 29% and warning that London's second opera house must improve its business model.

The directors of thirty-three international festivals and opera houses have written a joint letter of support for ENO and its artistic director John Berry.

'It is not the fault of the ENO that it is suffering from the same financial woes that many international opera companies are facing these days', they write in the Financial Times. 'Rather than being criticised, Berry and his company should be applauded for their indefatigable efforts to keep our art form fresh. We stand together in support of him and his notable achievements.'

Yesterday, ENO appointed management consultant Cressida Pollock as its interim Chief Executive Officer, in a bid to put its financial affairs in order. She will assume this role on 24 March 2015.

ENO's acting chairman, Harry Brünjes, commented: 'The board and I are delighted that Cressida has joined ENO to lead the executive team during a time of transformational change. No one has a better understanding of the work that needs to be done in order to be re-admitted to the Arts Council's National Portfolio this November.

'Cressida will be working closely with myself, Glyn Barker (our Chair of Finance), John Berry, and the senior team over the coming months as ENO adapts to an operating model which will rely less on public subsidy, whilst still maintaining the highest level of artistic excellence.'

Information: www.eno.org

Posted: 10 March 2015

Next item: Ezra Laderman >>