We are delighted to announce the appointment of Ben Weston as Garsington Opera’s new Executive Director.
Ben is an accomplished cultural leader with more than 25 years’ experience as a producer and executive producer of classical music programming, delivering award-winning music, live and national events for international TV broadcasters, streamers and arts organisations. He led the BBC’s coverage of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012, including staging the Diamond Jubilee Concert in front of Buckingham Palace, and is a former producer and executive producer of the BBC TV Proms. Awarded an MA in Music from Oxford University, he is also a Trustee of the London Sinfonietta. A long-time visitor to Garsington Opera, and with deep connections across the cultural sector, Ben has a clear appreciation of our unique place in the artistic landscape.
Ben’s career trajectory has always been centred around connecting people with the joy of music, working with many of our peer and partner organisations in a broadcast capacity including several years as Executive Producer of BBC Proms. We were impressed by Ben’s energy and empathy with Garsington’s company values. His proven record of strategic vision, thoughtful leadership, stakeholder engagement, and passion for learning and outreach convinced us that he’s an excellent choice to continue Nicky Creed’s impressive legacy.
Artistic Director Douglas Boyd, who continues as Artistic Director, and will lead the company alongside Ben, commented:
“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”
On his appointment, Ben said:
“Garsington Opera has been an important part of my summers for well over 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.”
Ben will take up his post on 10 November 2025 and will work alongside Nicky for a few weeks to ensure a smooth transition.