The musicians of the company, expressing concerns that the suggested reductions might compel them to exit the profession entirely, are set to go on strike following the premiere of the new opera "The Handmaid's Tale" by Poul Ruders.
Members of the English National Opera (ENO) music team have voted in favor of a comprehensive strike in response to substantial budget cuts proposed by Arts Council England (ACE).
The proposed budget reductions involve eliminating 19 full-time positions in the ENO's orchestra and shifting the remaining full-time musicians to short-term contracts. ACE has also stipulated that the company relocate its headquarters from London to Manchester, with the threat of withdrawing ENO's £12 million annual funding grant if the move is not completed.
The strike is scheduled for February 1, 2024—following the opening night of "The Handmaid's Tale," a new opera based on Margaret Atwood's novel, composed by Poul Ruders.
For members of ENO's orchestra, the strike is organized by the Musicians' Union (MU), while chorus members are represented by the Equity Trade Union. All chorus members represented by Equity voted in favor of the strike.
In October 2023, the ENO's then-Music Director, Martyn Brabbins, resigned in protest of the proposed cuts.
Naomi Pohl, MU's general secretary, commented, "This reflects extremely challenging times for the orchestral sector, especially opera and ballet, caused by inadequate funding for the proposed move to Manchester."
"The management has opted to reduce our members' work to six months per year, putting at risk a wonderful, talented, and specialized orchestra," she added. "It is disheartening to witness the impact on the individuals affected."
Paul Fleming, Equity's general secretary, emphasized, "The core of this dispute revolves around who opera in this country is for: stable, accessible jobs for individuals from all backgrounds, or precarious jobs limited to a select few."
"[ENO management is] sacrificing the artists who audiences pay to see while safeguarding the pay of senior management," he continued. "They are proposing fire and rehire, 40% wage cuts, and no permanent jobs in a new Manchester base."
