Durham University⁦ has renamed its city center venue, the Assembly Rooms Theatre, in honor of its former chancellor, baritone Thomas Allen.

Allen stepped down as Chancellor of the University in 2022, a role he held for a decade between 2012-22; on June 29 he took part in the ceremony to welcome his successor, foreign affairs expert Dr Fiona Hill. Allen’s career as an opera singer earned him global acclaim and he performed in more than 50 roles at the Royal Opera House.

In a statement, Professor Karen O’Brien, Vice-Chancellor and Warden, Durham University, said, “The renaming of the Assembly Rooms Theatre after Sir Thomas Allen honors his commitment to the University, Durham City, and our region. Sir Tom has done so much to support our students, as well as promote music and the arts regionally, nationally and globally. This is a fitting recognition of his enduring legacy.”

In a statement, Allen said, “I am immensely honored and proud of this decision to rename the Assembly Rooms Theatre. My professional life has been filled with some extraordinary memories, but none more so than those of the ten years with Durham University.”