In Conversation Live with Dr Harry Brunjes

Join this in-person event with the Chair of the English National Opera and The London Coliseum Theatre, Dr Harry Brunjes, FRCP Edin. Interviewed by Professor Sir Simon Wessely, he will discuss both the rewarding and challenging aspects of the role. Enjoy a complimentary drinks reception.

English National Opera holds both a national and international reputation. It was a decision of Arts Council England in November 2022 to remove all funding for ENO just as the company approaches its centenary. There was no consultation, no feasibility study, and no opera strategy. The ENO was advised of this decision only 24 hours before it went into the public domain. 

There has since followed a significant campaign with numerous debates both in the Commons, the Lords and all forms of national media. The campaign has attracted worldwide attention. The situation one year on is now very different. Harry will explain the intense activity (involving both management and board) over the last 12 months and will provide insight into what the future holds for the world of opera in the United Kingdom.

As far as he knows Harry believes he is the first medic to have chaired an opera company and it will be of interest to see how his career has developed in this unusual direction. Harry trained at Guy’s Hospital. His junior posts were divided between Guy’s and the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton. He was on call on the night of the Grand Hotel bomb blast in 1984. Harry spent a few years in general practice before a career change in the mid-1990s. Harry built two medical companies which he sold to BUPA and Capita respectively. For the last 7 years, he has been Chair of Kuro Health. Between 2009 and 2019, Harry was Chair of Lancing College.

*There may be slight changes to the advertised start and end times of this event, subject to Harry Brunjes' work requirements.

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