On Thursday 21 January, donors and friends came together for an evening Gala to celebrate 85 years since ENO’s first performance (in 1931, as the Vic Wells Opera).

The evening, held at the prestigious Landmark Hotel, attracted 250 guests who enjoyed a dinner hosted by current and ex-ENO Harewood Artists Barnaby Rea and Duncan. ENO Music Director Mark Wigglesworth led performances by the ENO orchestra and chorus and soloists Mary Bevan, Allan Clayton, Jonathan Lemalu, Pamela Helen Stephen and Richard Suart.

The BBC’s Charlie Ross led an auction and pledge moment to support the ENO Harewood Artists. Overall, the evening raised over £200,000 to support the work of ENO’s talent development programmes.