Alex is 19 and currently studying Russian and English Literature at Oxford University.

Fulfilling the cliché of the literature student, Alex loves to write, and applied to ENO Response to dip his toes into the waters of cultural criticism.

Alex was first introduced to opera through the ENO’s Cosi Fan Tutte and has followed it with enthusiasm ever since, enjoying the mix of musicality and theatricality that it brings to the stage.

He is looking forward to the ENO’s staging of The Rhinegold, and is very pleased that he will not have to rely on his very rusty secondary school German to understand it!

Alex is a 30 year old teacher working in a secondary school.

He applied to ENO Response to learn more about opera, and he is looking forward to developing his writing with the help of the mentors on the programme.

Andrew is 26 and working in construction.

He applied to take part in ENO Response because it seemed like a wonderful chance to both expand his opera knowledge and learn about critique.

He is most looking forward to Akhnaten; he loves the music of Philip Glass and can’t wait to see it on stage.

Arrije is a 23 year old aesthetician who specialises in being a laser therapist.

She applied to ENO Response to reconnect with the beauty and art of opera. Arrije is really looking forward to expanding her critical knowledge and being infatuated with the enchanting experience of the ENO and London Coliseum.

Brooke is 20 years old and is currently in her final year studying Politics and International Relations.

Brooke has been a part of the ENO youth project and studied Drama and Theatre studies at A-levels. She wishes to reenter the world of performing arts and grow as a critic. She is especially excited to watch and review the world renowned operatic classic Carmen.

Cian is a 24 year old Latin and English teacher, as well as being a part-time pub quizmaster.

He applied to ENO Response because he loves popular music and opera, but wants to learn to properly critique classical music. He is most excited by The Yeoman of the Guard, as he has never seen a Gilbert and Sullivan.

Jacob is 22 and studying a masters in Intellectual History while working for Deal Music & Arts.

He has applied to ENO Response to learn more about music criticism and develop his knowledge of opera. He’s really looking forward to the spectacle of Glass’s Akhnaten!

Leah is 23 years old and studying for a degree in Liberal Arts and Natural Sciences at the University of Birmingham.

She applied to ENO Response for the chance to be mentored by professional art critics and to learn more about the medium of opera, and how best to describe music with words. Leah is most looking forward to seeing Akhnaten for the score and stunning visuals, as well as Symphony of Sorrowful Songs for the soaring violins!

Maisie is 22 years old and a recent Cultural and Creative Industries graduate from King’s College London.

She now splits her time working for two different art-based organisations whilst pursuing a writing career. A classically trained cellist, Maisie is looking forward to returning to her musical roots and exploring the world of opera with the ENO, and is especially looking forward to this season’s performance of Carmen.

Bobby is 29 years old and works as a public health commissioning manager.

Bobby grew up with opera playing at home from a big, bulky 90s stereo. His early memories were marked by piano and voice recitals. Bobby applied for ENO Response as a way to bring his childhood love for music back into his life.

Bobby is excited to join ENO Response to enjoy opera from a new perspective and share what he loves about opera with a new audience.

Susannah is 28 years old and has just left a job in law to pursue journalism.

She previously trained in opera and is looking forward to rediscovering her love for it and exploring new productions.

Zara is an Upper Sixth student, currently applying to study Music at university.

Despite her passion for classical music, opera is a relatively new venture. Through ENO Response, she hopes to develop her writing, learn more about operatic repertoire and have a valuable insight into the field of music criticism. Steered by her music teacher’s love of Puccini, Zara is most excited for the production of Tosca.