English chorus protests layoffs

The chorus of the English National Opera went on strike Tuesday for the first time in nearly 40 years in protest of management’s plans to fire one-third of its 60 members.

The chorus said it would not appear in Tuesday’s show of “The Trojans -- The Capture of Troy” at the London Coliseum -- forcing its cancellation -- and would instead stage a free public recital of Verdi’s Requiem at St. Paul’s Church at Covent Garden.