The pandemic has meant enormous disruption, uncertainty and anxiety for freelance musicians with as many as 64% having considered leaving the industry in the UK. Early career artists face substantial barriers to accessing necessary skills, training and performance opportunities to progress, with the prohibitive costs of lessons, rehearsal fees and audition costs met with poor pay and short contracts. Without investment, we risk losing the next generation of exceptional British operatic talent.

ETO will launch an Artist Development Programme that invests in artists' performance practice and essential musical and theatrical training, alongside practical professional skills needed to successfully navigate the industry. ETO will support 19 singers, and instrumentalists in the first year, providing practical seminars, training, performance opportunities and industry experience that directly addresses many of the contemporary challenges facing artists at an important stage in their careers.