English National Opera finds a new home in Manchester making opera accessible to all

In a historic moment for British opera, the English National Opera (ENO) has revealed plans to establish a major new home in Greater Manchester, marking a bold step in its 90-year history.

This transformative move will bring world-class opera to the heart of the North West, with an ambitious program of productions, community initiatives, and pioneering creative projects designed to reimagine the artform for the 21st century.

For the first time, one of the UK’s leading cultural institutions will root itself in the rich musical and cultural landscape of Greater Manchester.

By 2029, ENO’s presence in Manchester will be fully realised, laying the foundation for a new era of opera—one that celebrates innovation, accessibility, and the vibrant diversity of its new home.

The English National Opera in Manchester

ENO’s new chapter in Greater Manchester will integrate opera into the heart of the region’s cultural life, celebrating Manchester’s world-class musical heritage.

From ground-breaking new productions to accessible participation opportunities, the collaboration will expand the boundaries of opera while investing in the next generation of talent.

Jenny Mollica, Chief Executive of ENO, emphasised the transformative potential of the initiative: “Greater Manchester’s extraordinary musical legacy and creative energy make it the perfect place for ENO to take root. Together, we will build a program that reaches new audiences, nurtures future opera-makers, and redefines the possibilities of the artform for years to come.”

A line-up to inspire

As part of the first phase of this partnership, ENO will bring a range of innovative and high-profile projects to Greater Manchester.

Among the highlights, a new immersive production of Philip Glass and Robert Wilson’s Einstein on the Beach will premiere in 2027, in collaboration with Factory International and Improbable Theatre.

This ambitious project follows the international success of ENO’s acclaimed stagings of Glass’s Satyagraha and Akhnaten.

The UK premiere of Angel’s Bone by Du Yun and Royce Vavrek is another landmark event.

A haunting exploration of modern slavery and human trafficking, this Pulitzer Prize-winning opera will be performed at Aviva Studios in May 2026 in partnership with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra.

ENO will also celebrate classic opera with a production of Benjamin Britten’s Albert Herring at The Lowry in October 2025, while Mozart’s Così fan tutte will be performed in concert at The Bridgewater Hall in February 2026.

Making Opera accessible to all

Central to ENO’s vision is a commitment to making opera accessible to all. This includes the creation of a new Youth Opera Company in partnership with the Greater Manchester and Blackburn with Darwen Music Hub.

Launching in September 2025, the program will engage young people aged 13–19, particularly those from backgrounds underrepresented in the arts, fostering the opera talent of the future.

In an innovative blending of music and sport, ENO will collaborate with Salford-based arts specialists Walk the Plank and local football teams on Perfect Pitch. This unique project explores the impact of collective singing on team performance and fan experience, uniting communities through music and football from Summer 2025.

ENO’s Breathe program

Building on its award-winning ENO Breathe program, which uses singing techniques to aid recovery for people with respiratory conditions, ENO is set to expand the initiative across Greater Manchester.

In partnership with NHS Greater Manchester and the Combined Authority, this groundbreaking health program will support people living with COPD and asthma, starting in Autumn 2024.

Championing innovation and talent

ENO is also committed to nurturing the next generation of opera-makers through new work development programs. A partnership with the Royal Northern College of Music will launch a Creative Incubator, providing artists with space, mentorship, and platforms to develop operas that reflect Greater Manchester’s diverse musical traditions.

Additionally, a collaboration with Factory International will pioneer Opera Factory GM, an ongoing series of research labs exploring the future of opera, from immersive environments to mixed-reality performances.

Further training opportunities will be offered through Factory International’s Factory Academy, which will provide vocational programs in technical and production roles for young people from underrepresented backgrounds.

Will ENO have an impact in Manchester?

The University of Manchester and ENO will jointly lead Tuning into Opera, a research initiative inviting local communities, artists, and researchers to shape the future of opera in Greater Manchester. The project will launch with a public event at the Manchester International Festival in July 2025, fostering dialogue and co-creation between diverse groups.

Meanwhile, ENO’s Finish This… program will bring opera into classrooms ac

ross Greater Manchester. Designed for primary, secondary, and SEND schools, the initiative combines opera, film, and animation, enabling students to compose collaboratively in line with the national curriculum.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, welcomed the partnership:
“Music is at the heart of our creative history, and this collaboration with English National Opera brings inspiring new opportunities to our city-region. Together, we can create a brighter future for opera, building connections with communities and unlocking potential in the next generation.”

ENO’s Manchester-based projects will complement the company’s ongoing seasons at the London Coliseum and its nationwide education and health initiatives. Full details of upcoming performances and ticketing will be announced soon.

For more information, please visit English National Opera’s website by clicking here