Jennifer Smith has resigned as Executive Director of the Longborough Festival Opera.

Smith began her position in 2014 and held the position for nine years.

Since holding the position, the LFO has seen a turnover growth of 66 percent, as well as major growth within the administrative team and expansion of its educational provision. Smith also helped the company through the challenging period of closure due to COVID-19, working alongside Artistic Director Polly Graham to produce an innovative socially distanced solution, moving the 2021 season into a 270-seat circus tent.

In a statement, Smith said, “Longborough is, and always has been, an outstanding festival. I have been incredibly fortunate to work with committed colleagues, trustees, artists, and the inspirational Graham family. I am brimming with pride on what we have collectively achieved. Longborough has a tremendous future ahead, especially with exciting plans to stage the Ring Cycle in 2024. While my career now takes me in a new direction, I will continue to be a cheerleader for Longborough and its important work both on and off stage.”

Smith will be taking up the role of Domestic Bursar at Balliol College from late Autumn 2023. Meanwhile, the Longborough Festival Opera will now begin the search for a new Executive Director.