Manchester Met hosts historic launch event for English National Opera’s Greater Manchester expansion
Manchester Met proudly welcomed the English National Opera (ENO) to Greater Manchester with an extraordinary launch event that marked the beginning of a transformative partnership between the acclaimed opera company and the city-region.
Held in The Holden Gallery and coinciding with our 200th anniversary celebrations, the evening celebrated Manchester’s vibrant cultural legacy while setting the stage for an exciting new chapter in ENO’s history.
The event underscored our commitment to fostering creativity and cultural engagement. With state-of-the-art facilities and leading creatives delivering an exceptional education, our renowned Manchester School of Art and the cutting-edge School of Digital Art (SODA), champions the role of the arts in enriching communities and inspiring new generations of talent.
“Today is a celebration of the arts, innovation, and community,” said Professor Malcolm Press CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor of Manchester Metropolitan. “Manchester Met is deeply honoured to host this historic occasion and to welcome the English National Opera to our city. Together, we share a vision of bridging disciplines, pushing boundaries, and connecting people through the transformative power of creativity.”
A highlight of the evening was a special reading by Professor Dame Carol Ann Duffy, celebrated poet and Creative Director of the Manchester Writing School. To commemorate the occasion, she unveiled a new poem capturing the spirit of ENO’s arrival in Manchester. The poem was brought to life through a stunning musical composition by Tom Green, performed by soprano Nardus Williams and accompanied by a striking artwork by Manchester-born artist Stephen Raw, also inspired by the poem.
This unique blend of poetry, music, and visual art exemplifies Manchester Met’s dedication to interdisciplinary collaboration, mirroring ENO’s mission to innovate and expand the possibilities of opera.
ENO’s plans in Greater Manchester represent a bold reimagining of the artform, blending tradition with contemporary innovation. The partnership includes groundbreaking productions such as Philip Glass’s Einstein on the Beach and the UK premiere of Angel’s Bone by Du Yun. Collaborations with Factory International and the creation of a new Youth Opera for 13–19-year-olds from underrepresented backgrounds also hope to break new ground in the future of the artform.
“The presence of ENO in Manchester represents an extraordinary opportunity for our students and community,” said Professor Press. “We are excited to contribute to their mission to inspire new talent, foster diversity, and deepen the connection between opera and our city.”
The event also featured remarks by Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, who emphasised the city’s legacy as a cultural and musical powerhouse. He highlighted how ENO’s arrival reinforces Manchester’s status as a hub for innovation and artistic excellence.
As the evening concluded, attendees left with a renewed sense of what opera can achieve - connecting people, telling stories and creating experiences that resonate across generations.
For more information on upcoming ENO initiatives in Manchester, visit www.eno.org.
