“Music impresario Raymond Gubbay has attacked plans to axe jobs in the chorus and orchestra at the English National Opera. Mr Gubbay – one of the leading names in his field – described as ‘absurd’ and ‘ridiculous’ the ENO’s proposals to reduce the number of 60 choristers and 83 orchestra members. His outburst followed chairman Martin Smith’s admission the ENO had been saved from going into receivership by a £4.2m grant from the Arts Council of England.”