Opera festival recruits BBC classical music expert

Annual summer opera festival, Garsington Opera, has named classical music programmer BEN WESTON its latest executive director.

Weston, former executive producer of BBC TV Proms and the leader behind the corporation’s coverage of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012, is to join artistic director DOUGLAS BOYD from 10 November.

He takes over from the departing NICKY CREED.

Already a trustee of the London Sinfonietta, Weston is a long-time visitor to Garsington Opera, and said it had been “an important part” of his summer for 20 years.

“I’m honoured and thrilled to have been invited to join this wonderful team, led so brilliantly by Nicky Creed, to help shape the future of the company; presenting exceptional opera, increasing opportunities to nurture the UK’s artistic and technical workforce, and inspiring the widest possible audience through this great art form,” he said.

Boyd added: “I am thrilled to welcome Ben as our new executive director. His experience and leadership will be a huge asset to Garsington Opera and his energy and ambition are inspiring.

“Having regularly attended performances at Garsington over many years, he has witnessed its development and understands the culture and ethos that makes Garsington such a special environment. Nicky Creed leaves behind extraordinary achievements and a legacy which I know Ben will respect and take forward.”