Sebastian F. Schwarz steps down from his position as General Director of Glyndebourne after two years working with the opera house. He has cited a desire to focus on the more creative aspects of artistic leadership.
‘In my first encounter with a privately funded company I have come to appreciate Glyndebourne’s unique and complex business model on which its success and survival are dependent’, says Mr Schwarz. ‘While planning the seasons up to 2021, I have realised that I feel most at home in a position which allows me to concentrate more fully on creating and executing the artistic vision of an organisation.’
Before his position at Glyndebourne, the musician was Deputy Artistic Director of Theater an der Wien in Vienna for nine seasons. He has also worked at Hamburg State Opera and Wexford Festival Opera.
Mr Schwarz succeeded David Pickard as General Director of Glyndebourne in 2015, and went on to present a new production of Cavalli’s Hipermestra and the world premiere of Brett Dean’s Hamlet. Mr Schwarz also introduced a new annual international singing competition, the Glyndebourne Opera Cup, and is due to remain as chair of the jury when the contest is staged in March 2018.
‘He is hugely respected and admired by everyone at Glyndebourne, including myself, and he has made an indelible mark on the organisation in his time with us’, says Gus Christie. Mr Christie – the Executive Chairman of Glyndebourne and the grandson of the company’s founders – has been appointed as Acting General Director until the appointment of a successor.
Further information about Mr Schwarz’s departure can be found here.