Mark Wigglesworth has announced his resignation as Music Director of English National Opera, from the end of the current season. In a brief statement circulated to the media, he confirmed that ‘he will continue to honour his contractual commitments as a conductor and looks forward to continuing to work with the wonderful musicians of ENO’, but that he would not be commenting further at this time. Wigglesworth had taken up the post in September, succeeding Edward Gardner. 

English National Opera has also issued a statement, confirming the resignation: ‘We regret to confirm that Mark Wigglesworth feels unable to continue as Music Director despite the best efforts of the Board and Senior Management to persuade him to remain. We are disappointed that he will not be staying to lead the artistic forces through this particularly challenging period.’ The statement concluded by saying that: ’Mark is a world class conductor and we look forward to welcoming him back as guest conductor in future years.’ 

The announcement comes at a time of much public discussion about the London-based company, not least about a recent dispute with chorus members over contracts, which was resolved last week with a settlement.