SURREY OPERA Competitors

Glyndebourne – situated on the edge of the South Downs National Park in East Sussex – is recognised internationally as one of the world’s leading opera houses; a reputation that stems from a passion for artistic excellence encapsulated in founder John Christie’s insistence on doing ‘not the best we can do but the best that can be done anywhere’. John and his opera singer wife, Audrey Mildmay, founded the Glyndebourne Festival in 1934. Glyndebourne’s annual summer Festival runs for 15 weeks from May to August presenting more than 70 world-class opera performances in a 1,250-seat opera house. Throughout its history, Glyndebourne has been a pioneer in reaching new audiences. Its expanded Autumn Season offers affordable access to exceptional opera and music while shining a spotlight on emerging talent. Subsidised Festival tickets are available for families, under-30s and under-40s. Glyndebourne also produces open days, art and archive exhibitions, member events and more. An award-winning Learning & Engagement programme is active year-round, staging new work and delivering projects to enhance the understanding and enjoyment of opera among a diverse and broad audience. Since its founding in 1934, Glyndebourne has remained financially independent. As a registered charity, the company’s work is funded by Box Office income, Members and supporters, with valued Arts Council England support for learning and engagement work.

English National Opera is the national opera company dedicated to creating extraordinary encounters with opera, on stage and beyond. We believe in opera as a force for good, supporting lifelong learning, creative development and wellbeing through our ENO Engage programme, which connects people of all ages and backgrounds with the art form. From performances at the London Coliseum and in Greater Manchester, to work in schools, communities and public spaces across the country, we’re committed to reaching and reflecting the full diversity of our nation.

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.