Filming crews are back in Bolton today – as the English National Opera uses the iconic town hall to promote its move up north.
The English National Opera (ENO) announced last year that it would move to Greater Manchester by 2029.
Today, Bolton town hall was the grand backdrop to ENO’s music video promoting the opera coming up North.
German opera singer Idunnu Münch starred in it – whirling to a routine choreographed by dancer Lee Hoy.
Idunnu, a mezzo-soprano and artist at ENO, said: “I really appreciate working here in the UK.
“I was a Harewood artist at the English National Opera and feel connected to it.
“That’s why I feel happy to be part of this.”
Bolton, which has become known as ‘Hollywood of the North’, is a go to location for many film television series, adverts and films, with A-list actors often seen in the town.
Aimee Whelan, line producer: “We wanted to show the journey of the English National Opera coming up to the north.
“Bolton town hall is a northern point of interest people recognise. It’s beautiful.”
A spokesperson said: “ENO will be firmly established within Greater Manchester by 2029, delivering performances, wellbeing and learning activity with multiple partners and venues across the city-region, whilst continuing its substantial opera season every year at its London home, the London Coliseum.”
ENO’s decision followed Arts Council England granting it £24 million to develop an artistic programme in a new base outside of London for 2024-26.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said at the time : “The ENO is one of the most exciting cultural institutions in the country, and we’re immensely proud to be able to bring them to a new home here in Greater Manchester.
“We’ve worked closely with them to set out a shared vision for a future in our city-region, where they can continue making ground-breaking opera, foster new collaborations with artists across the North, and bring their award-winning learning and wellbeing programmes to communities here.
“Greater Manchester’s world-renowned history of radical art, activism, and affecting change, and the cultural renaissance taking place across our towns and cities, makes it the ideal home for the ENO. We can’t wait to welcome them and see where this new partnership takes us.”
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