On 20 January 1931, ENO performed Carmen for the very first time as the Vic-Wells Opera Company.

Now, 85 years and 18 Carmens later, our mission at ENO is still the same – to make opera accessible to the widest and most diverse audience possible.

One of the ways we do this is through our Baylis in the Balcony scheme.

Baylis in the Balcony gives school children free balcony tickets to ENO dress rehearsals at the London Coliseum, introducing young people to the unforgettable world of opera.

To mark our 85th birthday, we’re hoping to raise £8,500 towards Baylis in the Balcony, allowing 1,200 school children to experience opera for the first time.

If you would like to support Baylis in the Balcony, a small gift of £8.50 will help us achieve our mission.

Thank you for your support – we couldn’t do it without you.