André de Ridder embraces ENO’s challenge as music director

André de Ridder has accepted the role of music director of English National Opera, formally taking up the post in 2027. The company has endured a turbulent period — including a funding threat that forced a partial move to Manchester, sudden departures of previous chiefs and cuts to full-time contracts — yet De Ridder sees opportunity rather than deterrent.

He welcomes the London–Manchester arrangement as a chance to broaden audiences and rethink what opera can be, pointing to upcoming Manchester plans such as the UK premiere of Du Yun’s Angel’s Bone and collaborations with the BBC Philharmonic. De Ridder stresses the relationship should not be one-way: work created in Manchester may travel to London, and ENO is trying to present its core ensembles in both cities.

De Ridder’s ties to ENO run deep — he conducted the premiere of Gerald Barry’s The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant two decades ago and says the company “schooled” him as an artist.

United Kingdom, London; Manchester

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