ENO Chair to step down

English National Opera (ENO) has announced that HARRY BRUNJES will step down as Chair of ENO and London Coliseum at the end of the company's 2024/25 season.

Brunjes has been Chair of the company for more than ten years, having previously served as a member of the board. 

Trained as a physician, Brunjes founded Premier Medical Group and RTA Ltd. He has held posts including Chairman of the Personal Injury Forum at BUPA and Vice-President of the College of Medicine. 

He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine, a Council member of Southwark Cathedral Development Trust and Director of Folkington Manor Ltd.

Brunjes's tenure at ENO encompassed the Covid-19 pandemic, the removal of ENO from Arts Council England’s National Portfolio and the subsequent requirement for the company to partially relocate outside of London.

His term also saw the resignation of Music Director Martyn Brabbins due to cuts to the orchestra and chorus along with the threat of strike action over sweeping redundancies.

Despite this turbulent term in office, he said it had been “an immense privilege” to serve as Chair. “I have been extremely lucky to have seen the company produce and present hundreds of world-class operas both at the London Coliseum and internationally.

"The positive impact of ENO beyond our walls continues to inspire, and I am particularly proud of the company’s resilience throughout the global pandemic. What defines ENO, from our award-winning chorus and orchestra, and across all areas of the organisation, is an overriding sense of warmth and collegiality. It is this foundation that underwrites the values, ethos, and reputation of this great company.”
 
JENNY MOLLICA, Chief Executive at ENO and the London Coliseum, said: “Getting to know and to work with Harry has been a unique privilege. He is determined, unwaveringly generous and above all else, utterly tireless in his dedication and commitment to ENO. 

“Harry’s deep care and respect for his custodial role in the life of this great company have been a defining hallmark of his tenure, and his characteristic warmth and tenacity a much-valued constant.”’
 
VERNON ELLIS, President of ENO and the London Coliseum, added: "The tenacity and commitment he has given to this world-class opera company has been truly remarkable, and I know that he will continue to support everyone at ENO from 'backstage'."

Brunjes’s departure follows the announcement last week that two new trustees will join the company’s board after its ‘difficult period’.