WOS Radio: Focus on English National Opera’s Billy Budd

Fresh from the quarterdeck of HMS Indomitable and David Alden‘s brand new staging of Britten’s Billy Budd able seamen Benedict Nelson, Nicky Spence, and Duncan Rock are shining examples of a revolution that is happening at English National Opera.

ENO’s Young Artist scheme – now known as ENO Harewood Artists (in recognition of the late Lord Harewood’s extraordinary legacy to this company) – is truly proving to be a company-building enterprise with prime roles – such as the title role in Billy Budd which has gone to rising star, Benedict Nelson – sourced from within the 12-strong roster of hand-picked talent. ENO’s Casting Director, John McMurray, has plainly been keeping his eyes and ears peeled.

In this exclusive audio podcast Edward Seckerson nabs the trio during a break in rehearsals to discuss what the Harewood Artists scheme means to them and how close Britten’s testosterone filled masterwork is to becoming shipshape.