Page 191 - Media Coverage Book - 75th Aldeburgh Festival 2024

Robin Norton-Hale, General Director of English Touring Opera,
said: ‘English Touring Opera is delighted to begin its next chapter as
we move to a new home in Sheffield. We have built strong links with

local audiences in the city over more than two decades of performing
at the Lyceum Theatre, and we have always been struck by the warmth

and enthusiasm we encounter in Sheffield.

The city’s thriving cultural scene makes it an ideal base for touring our

work across the country, and we are looking forward to getting to
know the people of Sheffield better, with plans for a community opera
in 2026 and long-term partnerships with arts, community and

educational organisations.

We are very grateful for the time and energy of all the theatres,

government bodies, businesses and local institutions that took part in
this process. With Opera North touring from Leeds, and English

National Opera’s new base in Greater Manchester, we are excited
about the possibilities to grow the audience for this thrilling and multi-
faceted artform across the North of England and beyond.’

Councillor Martin Smith, Chair of the Economic Skills and
Development Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: ‘Sheffield is a

city of culture and creativity. We have a vibrant music and arts scene,
our grassroots offer is exceptional and we also have nationally

acclaimed venues and institutions within our culture sector.

Outside of London, we have the largest regional theatre district and

earlier this year we hosted the MOBO Awards. There is so much going
on in the city in the way of arts and creativity and we are delighted
that English Touring Opera will be part of this going forward.

I’d like to extend a warm welcome to them on behalf of the Council
and the city.’