English National Opera's Artistic Director John Berry has announced his decision to leave the Company. In his official statement, Berry said, 'My work is now done and ENO is today regarded as one of the most creative forces in opera. The decision feels right to leave at the end of a hugely successful season both from an artistic perspective and in terms of audience numbers...After eight seasons leading the Company artistically and as the award winning 14/15 season comes to a close, I am looking forward to spending the summer deciding on my next role. I look forward to remaining involved with ENO in the future, as an audience member and supporter.'

Acting Chairman of ENO, Harry Brunjes, paid tribute: 'John Berry’s contribution to ENO over the past two decades has been phenomenal. Under his leadership, the artistic programme at ENO has been unrivalled in its quality, ability to entertain and to innovate. He has helped build ENO a UK-wide and international reputation for excellent dramatic opera that makes us unique - introducing directors from other art forms to the world of opera. He has driven the use of international collaborations bringing in significant financial contributions to our productions and has been instrumental in forging a future for the London Coliseum with a partnership with Benugo. We have been fortunate to have John’s insight and capability driving productions which have thrilled our audiences over the last ten years. My fellow trustees and I all wish him every success in his future endeavours. I would like to thank John for helping us stabilise the Company as we continue to build a sustainable and fiscally sound organisation.'

Edward Gardner recently conducted his final production (Tchaikovsky's The Queen of Spades) as Music Director of English National Opera and will be succeeded by Mark Wigglesworth next season. 

John Berry received a CBE in last year's Queen's Birthday Honours list. He launched ENO Screen in 2013, in which selected productions are broadcast live into cinemas across the UK and Ireland and cinemas worldwide.