Tuning into Opera

Shaping the future of opera in Greater Manchester

Tuning into Opera is a bold new research and engagement initiative from English National Opera (ENO) and The University of Manchester, exploring what it means to have a national opera company based in Greater Manchester, alongside our partners in the city-region.

As ENO prepares to establish a new base in the region by 2029, this project invites local communities, artists and audiences to help shape a new chapter for opera – one that reflects the voices, stories and spirit of Greater Manchester.

What Is Tuning into Opera?

Running from 2025 to 2027, Tuning into Opera is a collaborative research initiative focused on understanding how opera can be meaningfully embedded in the cultural, social and civic life of Greater Manchester. Through community consultation, creative workshops and public events, we’re asking:

How can opera reflect and serve the people of Greater Manchester?

What stories from the city-region are best told through opera?

How can we make opera more inclusive, accessible and innovative?

How we’re listening

Led by Research Associate Dr Kamila Rymajdo, the project uses a mixed-methods approach including surveys, interviews, community-led workshops and creative collaborations.

Public events and activities

Since launching at Manchester International Festival in July 2025 as part of the Creative Manchester Showcase – where we presented our research roadmap and hosted a dynamic mix of panel discussions – Tuning into Opera has gained momentum through workshops, consultations and stakeholder engagement activities that spark conversation and invite new perspectives.

Highlights so far include:

Surveys (Ongoing)
We’re gathering insights through two key surveys:
• A general public survey on perceptions of opera, which has already received over 100 responses.
• A student-focused survey exploring career accessibility in opera launched during The University of Manchester’s Welcome Week in September 2025.

Cultural Welcome Week workshop and post-show discussion (October 2025)
Students from across Greater Manchester universities explored the creative process behind opera and shared feedback after attending ENO’s performance of Albert Herring at Lowry.

Artist roundtable (November 2025)
A focused discussion with artists from diverse disciplines and career stages, exploring opportunities and challenges for those working or interested in working in opera.

Research café (November 2025)
A showcase of our research plan for music academics from across the Greater Manchester universities, inviting feedback on the next phase of the project.

Stakeholder interviews (Ongoing)
In-depth conversations with venues, orchestras, local authority culture leads and grassroots organisations across the city-region, building a detailed picture of the local cultural ecosystem and its relationship to opera.

More workshops and public events are planned for 2026.