English Touring Opera Competitors

Ballet and opera capture the deepest human emotions. We want to share these unique art forms and their power to thrill, move and excite, with as many people as possible. Three principles stand the test of time and guide us today: EXCELLENCE: We bring together the arts at their best – music, dance, theatre – to craft thrilling, moving, experiences that transport you to other worlds THEATRICALITY: The spirit of theatre runs deep in our veins, on stage, backstage, online, at workshops, events and performances CURIOSITY: We question, we discover, we-reimagine, we perform; and we empower others to do the same We work as two performing companies, The Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera, in two theatres; our glorious 1858 auditorium and, opening in late 2018, our brand new, mid-scale Linbury Theatre. Our home is in the heart of London’s bustling Covent Garden but our work is experienced across the UK and globally, with 1.5m+ attending over 500 performances in a theatre or cinema each year, and many millions more enjoying our work on radio, TV and online. Our Learning and Participation programme opens up opportunities to 25,000 people each year, reaches many more through digital insights and resources, and connects families, schools and communities with affordable performances. We are a National Portfolio Organisation, supported by the British public via Arts Council England, and a registered charity, supported by donations from those who share our ambition and passions. We raise ¾ of our income ourselves, through box office sales, donations and ancillary revenues like distribution, licensing, merchandise and catering.

Opera North is England’s national opera company in the North and one of Europe’s leading arts organisations. The Company is committed to producing work of the highest quality that excites, challenges and entertains, and regularly collaborates with artists and companies working in a variety of media, including film and visual art. Its versatile Chorus and Orchestra also perform independently, constantly revitalising their approaches to music-making. The work of Opera North is made possible by direct support from Arts Council England, local authorities led by a close and sustained relationship with Leeds City Council, sponsorship from the private sector, the Friends of Opera North, the Opera North Fund and the box office income from its audiences. The Company is grateful to the many business sponsors, charitable trusts and individuals who together assist Opera North to continue to mount its award-winning programmes and to make its work accessible to all.

ENO is founded on the belief that opera of the highest quality should be accessible to everyone. Musical storytellers At ENO opera is theatre; expressing drama through the unique combination of music, text, dance and design. We sing in English. We believe that singing in our own language to the drama on stage, and enhances the experience for all. We collaborate across contemporary art forms to reflect the growing diversity of our culture. And we take a fresh approach right across the repertoire, from baroque to contemporary, as part of our commitment to the future of the art form. Widening access We bring our productions to the widest possible audience, whether at the London Coliseum, nationally or internationally. We make our work accessible by offering a large proportion of tickets at affordable prices, and by distributing it widely on screen and via digital media. We also aim to introduce completely new audiences to the magic of opera through stimulating and creative participation programmes. Nurturing creative talent We are a national company of internationally recognised standard. We nurture talent across the entire company, whether on stage, backstage or in the pit. We provide a platform for young singers to develop global careers. Our vision ENO will be synonymous with making great opera accessible to the widest and most diverse audiences. We will continue to forge ground-breaking collaborations across art forms, and our world-class productions will inspire, surprise and captivate. We will be recognised as the national centre of excellence for developing opera, and as the benchmark for nurturing new talent. We will reach out to communities who might think opera is not for them. We will tell the world’s most timeless stories, unforgettably.