The resignation of Mark Wigglesworth, English National Opera’s music director (Report, 23 March), does not augur well for the future of the company.
There is only one question that matters. Is there the political will to support two full-time opera companies in London, supposedly the world’s cultural capital? ENO’s current grant from the Arts Council is almost exactly the same in cash terms as it was more than 20 years ago when I was responsible for fundraising. The answer would appear to be no.
Under current proposals, ENO will become a part-time producer of opera and musicals. It will cease to be a company and is likely to lose many of its private donors.
Many will be blamed if ENO falls but the lack of political commitment should be seen for what it is: a disgrace.
John Nickson
Director of development, ENO, 1989-96
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