Bristol could be new home of national opera company

The outgoing head of the English National Opera has said the institution could make Bristol its new  home.

Stuart Murphy was talking to the Guardian about the future of the opera company which is looking for a new home after the Arts Council axed its funding.

Stuart Murphy said in his interview Liverpool and Manchester are “really strong contenders” to be the new home of the English National Opera (ENO) but added Bristol, Birmingham and Nottingham to the potential shortlist.

The chief executive steps down later this year and is overseeing the process of finding a new base.

The 92-year-old company has been told it needs to move out of London if it wants to receive any more public funding.

Critics have questioned whether there is appetite for opera to sustain the ENO outside of London.

But the ENO will is going through the process of drawing up a shortlist,

Murphy said Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, Nottingham and Bristol had been whittled down from 14 places originally in the frame.

He added: “Manchester has loads to offer as well, as does Birmingham. Birmingham is enormous, they’re really excited for us to be there – as is Nottingham and Bristol.