Players will join the ENO Orchestra from the start of the 2020/21 season on a fixed term contract for 12 months. Photo credit: Shutterstock
The aim of the fellowship is to create specific opportunities for those who are currently under represented both in London and nationally.
Those who are selected for the ENO Orchestra Fellowship for BAME String Players will join the ENO Orchestra from the start of the 2020/21 season on a fixed term contract for 12 months.
Musicians considering an application can find out more on the ENO’s website.
A vital first step
The MU’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Official John Shortell welcomed the news as a significant move in levelling the playing field:
“The MU are delighted that ENO are tackling the issue of diversity in orchestras head on.
“It’s essential that orchestras reflect our diverse society and positive action initiatives, such as ENO’s, are a vital first step in making orchestras more representative and help level the playing field for BAME musicians.
“The MU fully supports the initiative and we look forward to seeing the impact ENO’s fantastic work has on the orchestral sector.”
Achieving greater diversity
This development is only one part of ENO’s work to achieve greater diversity.
Last year they recruited four new Chorus Fellows from a BAME background, and have also launched four annual ENO Director Observerships, offering emerging BAME directors the opportunity to work alongside world-renowned opera directors, observing the entire process of directing an opera from start to finish.
Additionally, from the start of the 2018 Season, ENO put into place screened auditions for the orchestra as part of its recruitment process. This has also extended to auditions for the chorus.
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