We are sad to learn that David Suratgar passed away on 17th July 2024 aged 85.
David was a founder member of the Board of Garsington Opera and was a driving force in setting up the opera company with Leonard Ingrams in 1989, and has been a loyal supporter ever since.
A founding director of Garsington Opera and trustee of the board for over thirty years, David Suratgar was an important figure in the history of the company. In 1989, as chair of the Oxford Playhouse appeal committee, David first broached to his friend Leonard Ingrams the idea of a fundraising evening in the grounds of Leonard’s home at Garsington Manor, thereby setting in motion Leonard and his wife Rosalind’s decision to stage The Marriage of Figaro that summer. With a passion for literature and the arts, instilled in him since childhood by his literary parents (his father a renowned Persian poet), David gave enthusiastic support for the Ingrams’ fledgling opera company at Garsington Manor, a home famous as a gathering place for the Bloomsbury group. His enthusiasm drew in crucial funds from his many contacts in the City and beyond, including full sponsorship of an early performance from his colleagues at Morgan, Grenfell & Co. even with the proviso that the bank would not be allowed to display its name, and even with the high risks of cancellation that such early outdoor performances held in the event of bad weather.
The high regard in which David’s recommendations to support the opera were held was born from an extraordinary career as a distinguished international lawyer and banker, working and advising at several universities, international law institutions and banks, including at the UN, NYU, Georgetown University, the World Bank, the Bank of England, the European Investment Bank, BMCE (Banque Marocaine du Commerce Extérieur), and Morgan, Grenfell & Co. in London, among others. David also chaired and sat on the boards and advisory boards of several think tanks and charities, including the council of Chatham House, the Oxford University Bodleian Library Appeal, the UN Council on Ageing, the International Law Institute, SOAS and the Northern Ballet.
Garsington Opera benefitted hugely not only from this vast experience that he could draw on, but also from his ability to combine his lucid intelligence with a relaxed and warm generosity of spirit – with it he allowed others to share in his pure enjoyment of an evening at Garsington Opera. His presence both on the Board and during the season will be very sadly missed by many.
David’s family have kindly indicated that any donations in his memory, if desired, may be made to Garsington Opera.
To make a donation in David’s memory, please contact the Box Office on 01494 376037 or email development@garsingtonopera.org