English National Opera (ENO) is making its first major production in its new northern base with the UK premiere of the Pulitzer Prize-winning opera Angel’s Bone at Manchester’s Aviva Studios. The work, composed by Du Yun with a libretto by Royce Vavrek, is a harrowing exploration of human trafficking and exploitation. It centres on a couple who discover two angels and proceed to abuse them for financial gain. Director Kip Williams, making his UK operatic debut, describes the score as a kaleidoscopic blend of genres ranging from Gregorian chant to sounds reminiscent of Radiohead, Cabaret, and Björk. The production takes place in the round within the vast industrial space of the Warehouse at Aviva Studios, utilising its unique architecture and video elements. This marks a significant moment for ENO following a period of upheaval, including funding changes by Arts Council England that required the company to establish a stronger presence outside London. Performers such as Allison Cook and Rodney Earl Clarke highlight the challenging themes and the bravery of staging such a confrontational piece. The opera is a collaboration between ENO, Factory International, and the BBC Philharmonic, which provides a 10-part ensemble for the Manchester performances. It reflects ENO’s efforts to innovate, reach new audiences, and address contemporary social issues. The production opens on 12 May 2026 and will later transfer to London with a full orchestra version. Stakeholders express optimism about Manchester’s growing cultural scene and the potential for classical music organisations to coexist and thrive in the region.

English National Opera (ENO) is making its first major production in its new northern base with the UK premiere of the Pulitzer Prize-winning opera Angel’s Bone at Manchester’s Aviva Studios. The work, composed by Du Yun with a libretto by Royce Vavrek, is a harrowing exploration of human trafficking and exploitation. It centres on a couple who discover two angels and proceed to abuse them for financial gain. Director Kip Williams, making his UK operatic debut, describes the score as a kaleidoscopic blend of genres ranging from Gregorian chant to sounds reminiscent of Radiohead, Cabaret, and Björk. The production takes place in the round within the vast industrial space of the Warehouse at Aviva Studios, utilising its unique architecture and video elements. This marks a significant moment for ENO following a period of upheaval, including funding changes by Arts Council England that required the company to establish a stronger presence outside London. Performers such as Allison Cook and Rodney Earl Clarke highlight the challenging themes and the bravery of staging such a confrontational piece. The opera is a collaboration between ENO, Factory International, and the BBC Philharmonic, which provides a 10-part ensemble for the Manchester performances. It reflects ENO’s efforts to innovate, reach new audiences, and address contemporary social issues. The production opens on 12 May 2026 and will later transfer to London with a full orchestra version. Stakeholders express optimism about Manchester’s growing cultural scene and the potential for classical music organisations to coexist and thrive in the region.

Manchester aims to boost its art scene and community events to enhance local vibrancy.