The English Touring Opera (ETO) has announced it will move to Sheffield in the autumn of 2024 as part of the Arts Council England Transfer Programme.

In a statement, the company said, “The decision is the result of an extensive and ongoing consultation process with ETO staff, performers and technical staff as well as partner venues and local government organisations. We are excited by the prospect of deepening our long-standing relationship with Sheffield Theatres and working with new partners like Music in the Round on broadening the scope and reach of our work, as well as joining a thriving cultural and creative industries sector which accounts for more than 7 percent of Sheffield’s working population – almost double the national average. The move will also allow us to build roots within the community and work with both new and existing local partners, including Sheffield Music Hub, on dedicated productions, workshops and projects for children and members of the community.”

The company added, “Sheffield is also ideally located for much of ETO’s touring cycle, especially for its other venues in the North of England, which include Buxton Opera House, York Theatre Royal, the Gala Theatre in Durham and Storyhouse in Chester.”

The English Touring Opera noted that it will move into a temporary office before moving into a permanent home in 2025. It will also continue to rehearse and open tours at London’s Hackney Empire in 2025. The company also revealed that it hopes to open its tours in Sheffield starting in the Spring of 2026.