Arts Council England defends support of classical music amid loss of trust

Arts funding body responds to criticism as Wigmore Hall in London says it will operate independently from 2026

Classical music and opera is absolutely essential to the lifeblood of the arts" and has the enthusiastic support of Arts Council England (ACE), its chief executive has said after coming under fire from a leading arts figure.

Darren Henley, the chief executive of the body that distributes public and lottery funds to arts organisations in England, said investment in classical music was central to the council's programme.