Strike threat from ENO's choristers

Choristers facing the sack because of the financial crisis at the English National Opera voted for a strike yesterday. Their action threatens disruption through the rest of this season with a performance of Berlioz's The Trojans proving the first casualty.

Instead of appearing at the Coliseum on 25 February, the choristers will stage an alternative performance – pointedly, of Verdi's Requiem – for Trojans ticket-holders, invited guests and supporters to express their sadness at the proposed redundancy plans.

Under a tough new management plan to tackle an anticipated £4m deficit, 20 of the 60 choristers would lose their jobs. Ian McGarry, the general secretary of their union, Equity, said the singers regretted being forced into industrial action. "They believe the financial challenges facing the ENO can be addressed without critically damaging the company's artistic integrity," he said. "But as the ENO has refused to lift the threat of redundancy or to talk to them about their ideas for alternative methods of achieving savings, they feel they have no choice but to strike."

The union believes the financial crisis facing the ENO has been overstated, and say significant savings could be made without cutting the chorus. Martin Smith, the ENO's chairman, said he was due to begin talks with Equity in less than a week and the action was "deeply disappointing".

Arts Council England, the main public source of ENO income, is to consider its financial plans and may offer extra cash to "stabilise" the company.