British conductor and music director of the English National Opera (ENO) Martyn Brabbins has stepped down, following the news of cuts facing the company's orchestra.

Announced on Friday, following the final performance of its production of Britten's Peter Grimes the company announced that its orchestra would be reduced, cutting 19 jobs and employing the remaining musicians on a part-time basis. Its statement read: 'Whilst the ENO remains grateful for the Arts Council’s revised support and financial investment...rising fixed costs and a requirement to develop work across more locations...[means]we are having to reevaluate our employment levels across every part of the organisation.'

Brabbins announced his resignation earlier today, expressing regret for the ENO's decision: 'As Music Director of English National Opera for the past seven years, and Head of its orchestra, chorus and music staff, I cannot in all conscience continue to support the Board and Management’s strategy for the future of the company. While my feelings on this have been developing for some time, it reached its nadir this week, with the internal announcement of severe cuts to its orchestra and chorus from 2024/25 season. In protest, this afternoon I tendered my resignation with immediate effect.'

In response, the ENO released a statement this evening stating its 'surprise' at Brabbins's resignation: 'The ENO is surprised that Martyn Brabbins has decided to end his tenure as Music Director so abruptly. As a member of the ENO’s senior leadership, Martyn has been party to all key discussions at all stages and the extremely difficult decisions that have to be made by the Board and Management in constrained financial circumstances. 

'As recorded in Board minutes, an all-staff meeting and in correspondence with Management and the Board, Martyn agreed that the position reached with Arts Council England in July 2023 provides a workable outcome. As the ENO’s musical leader, we are disappointed that Martyn has chosen to resign rather than support the company by engaging with the process of creating a sustainable future for the ENO.'