Welsh National Opera is pulling out of performances in Liverpool.
The decision further reduces the touring circuit of the company which is already reduced to two just venues in Wales and a limited number of English venues with seasonal performances.
The move follows Arts Council of England announced a more than a third of its funding to the Cardiff-based touring company was to be axed.
In November the Liverpool Empire is presenting two operas and a Mozart Requiem from Glyndebourne, which has also seen its touring budget cut.
In a statement WNO said, “Welsh National Opera has announced that it will no longer be able to tour to Liverpool, with immediate effect. The decision has been taken due to the substantial reduction in its public funding, which was recently announced, and as a direct consequence of that, the Company needs to introduce budget efficiencies. WNO receives National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) funding from both the Arts Councils of England and Wales to provide large-scale opera, concerts and outreach work across Wales and to 7 major cities and regions in England. As part of the recent funding announcement, WNO now faces a £2.2m (35%) reduction in its funding from ACE.
WNO General Director Aidan Lang said: “We have had to make the very difficult decision to remove Liverpool from our touring programme. We know that this will come as a deep disappointment to our audiences in Liverpool and Merseyside, and I would like to thank them for their support since our first performances in Liverpool at the Royal Court in 1968, before moving to Liverpool Empire Theatre from 1976.
“Following their recent announcement, we are now facing a significant cut to our ACE funding. The reality of this means that we have no option but to make cost savings and this will result in difficult decisions. Our decision to withdraw from performing in Liverpool is regrettable, but has been carefully considered, taking into account a wide range of factors which will help us to make cost savings without impacting the quality of our work.
“In recent years, we have taken many steps to reduce our costs, whilst maintaining the balance of producing work of the highest artistic standard and a stimulating programme of engagement activities. We are committed to continue delivering our work but will need to diligently review the impact of rising costs and funding cuts as we move forward.
“Following recent reduction in ACE funding, we have made the difficult decision that WNO will no longer tour to Liverpool. We are deeply disappointed, having toured to the city since the 60s, and would like to thank Liverpool Empire and our audiences for the support over the years.”
The company receives funding from both the arts councils for Wales and England, as it tours in both organisations’ areas.
WNO had said it would have to review its activities in light of the change in funding. The company will now also be waiting to see what its future funding will be from the Arts Council of Wales.
In the past WNO had a larger touring circuit, not only in Wales but also England. There have also been changes in the programmes the company has taken to each touring venue and frequency of visits.