The opera company will establish a permanent base in Yorkshire

English Touring Opera (ETO), has confirmed Sheffield as the company’s new home.

It will move its offices to the city by the end of October 2024 as part of Arts Council England’s Relocation Programme.

The ETO already has existing links with Sheffield, as well as a strong audience in the city, built up through its regular visits to Sheffield theaters on its tours.

Councilor Martin Smith, Chair of Sheffield City Council’s Economic Development and Skills Committee, said: “Sheffield is a city of culture and creativity. We have a vibrant music and arts scene, our core offering is exceptional and we also have nationally acclaimed venues and institutions in our cultural sector.

“Outside of London, we have the biggest regional theater quarter and earlier this year we hosted the MOBO awards.

“There is so much happening in the city in terms of arts and creativity and we are delighted that English Touring Opera will be part of it in the future.

“I would like to extend a warm welcome to them on behalf of the council and the city.”

The initial move will be to a temporary office base in Sheffield, which will be completed by October 2024, allowing the ETO to form deeper relationships in the city before moving to a permanent home in spring 2025.

Due to the long-term nature of the company’s planning cycle, ETO says it will continue to rehearse and open its tours at London’s Hackney Empire, with ambitions to rehearse and open in Sheffield from the spring 2026 season.