After many decades with the company, we say a fond farewell to Iain Mackinnon as he steps down from the Board of Garsington Opera at the end of this season.
Iain looked after Garsington founder Leonard Ingrams and his family as an accountant for over 30 years. He first became involved with Garsington Opera as the auditor for the company in 1990, and then become Company Secretary in 1994 before being appointed to the Board in 2006. He was Chair for a three-year period from 2010–2012.
Iain’s contribution to Garsington Opera over the years cannot be overstated. His financial expertise and advice, often working behind the scenes, has been crucial to our financial and legal robustness throughout his tenure. He was also closely involved in the move to Wormsley in 2011, and more recently, the lease arrangements for Garsington Studios.
We spoke to Iain about his memorable moments at Garsington over the years.
“A standout production for me was last performance of John Cox’s Le nozze di Figaro at Garsington Manor, in 2009, where the inside/outside setting with the encroaching twilight and darkness gave an intensity to the end which you simply wouldn’t get otherwise.”
“At Wormsley, it would be Der Rosenkavalier the year after COVID – a stunning production which was made all the more special because we’d had a closed year.”
We also asked Iain what, in his view, makes Garsington special.
“What sets Garsington apart is that you’re more than just an audience – you are, and always have been, part of an endeavour that makes the world a little bit better. I’ve been privileged enough to be involved and to, in some small way, support Leonard’s extraordinary conception, which has been taken on and developed.”
Garsington’s Deputy Chair, Neil King KC, shared his thoughts on Iain’s impact over the years:
”Beyond Iain’s great expertise as an accountant and his unfailing integrity, he has brought to Garsington a deep devotion to, and understanding of, the company and its needs; along with a remarkable attention to detail – very often he has asked the most pertinent questions and offered the best solutions. I have come to value his friendship and acuity greatly over the years; he will be much missed.”
We offer Iain our profound thanks for everything he has done for Garsington over the past three decades.
Photo: Iain and his wife Annette at Garsington in 2013