ENO delivers new community programme across care settings in London’s Westminster Borough

English National Opera (ENO) is pleased to announce that following funding from Westminster City Council, ENO worked with London’s Westminster Borough over March 2025 to deliver the creative project ENO in the Community across 8 different care settings.

ENO in the Community featured a variety of activities and musical performances, adapted and delivered according to the needs of each group. Settings included a range of different spaces, inclusive of care homes, assisted living residences, day centres for the elderly and community hubs.

As part of the project, freelance artists, ENO singers and musicians performed in care settings, using familiar and beloved opera repertoire, such as the ‘Humming Chorus’ from Puccini’s Madame Butterfly and ‘Summertime’ from Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess. Activities included singalong workshops, crafts and the opportunity to try on costumes from previous ENO productions.

Annilese Miskimmon, ENO’s Artistic Director, said:

‘We were delighted to be working with Westminster City Council to deliver our new ENO in the Community programme. Key funding from the council has allowed ENO to bring live music into the community and to people who otherwise may be unable to access it through ENO Engage – our learning and participation department, opera singers and members of the Chorus and Orchestra of ENO. Classical music brings human connection, mental health and wellbeing benefits and we are excited to see the impact the programme has across the borough.’

Westminster City Council Cabinet Member for Ecology and Culture, Cllr Ryan Jude, said: 

‘It’s so touching to see English National Opera bring such light and joy to the residents of our care settings in Westminster. Our city is brimming with culture, and it’s important there are no barriers to people enjoying what’s on offer on their doorstep. Through our culture fund, we’re ensuring that every person in Westminster, irrespective of age and ability, has the chance to explore the rich culture all around us.’

Care Team Leader at Leonora House Assisted Living said:

‘The staff and residents truly enjoyed the experience, especially trying on the costumes, singing and dancing, which added to the fun and immersive atmosphere. Overall, it was a highly positive and enriching experience for everyone involved.’