ENO’s music director resigns over proposed cuts to musical staff positions

Martyn Brabbins rehearsing with the ENO orchestra at the Henry Wood Hall in London. He has been ENO’s music director since 2016, when his predecessor resigned over cuts and job losses. Photograph: Alastair Muir/Shutterstock

Martyn Brabbins has announced his resignation as music director of English National Opera. His decision follows the announcement on 13 October of a proposal to axe 19 orchestral positions and employ its remaining musicians on part-time contracts.

“I cannot in all conscience continue to support the board and management’s strategy for the future of the company,” he said in a statement released on Sunday by his management.