Hot on the heels of announcing its intention to stage longer runs of well-known popular classics, London’s Royal Opera House has announced that programming of its contemporary and cross-artform works will no longer be handled by ROH2. Keen to stress that this will not affect the company’s commitment to modern opera and dance, Royal Opera says output currently handled by ROH2 will be ‘assimilated into the new artistic management of The Royal Ballet and Royal Opera.’

Since 2001, ROH2 has staged productions in the Linbury Studio Theatre, Clore Studio and Paul Hamlyn Hall, as well as regional theatres. Director of opera Kasper Holten and associate director of opera John Fulljames will now lead the team responsible for commissioning opera and music in alternative venues and will continue the work begun by ROH2 to establish external collaborations. Ballet and dance in the Linbury Theatre will be shepherded by director of ballet Kevin O’Hare.