News and Features

Nicholas Snowman OBE (1944 - 2023)

We are saddened to hear of the sudden death of Nicholas Snowman, Glyndebourne's General Director from 1998 - 2000

We are saddened to hear of the sudden death of Nicholas Snowman, Glyndebourne’s General Director from 1998 – 2000 and, in his early career, assistant to Head of Music Staff Jani Strasser.

Despite his short tenure at the helm, Snowman left Glyndebourne with a lasting legacy. He introduced conductor Vladimir Jurowski as Music Director, established a distinguished International Concert Series and oversaw the company’s first Wagner production, Tristan und Isolde. Snowman’s policy for commissioning more new productions continues to influence Glyndebourne’s programme today.

Gus Christie, Glyndebourne Executive Chairman, said, ‘Nicholas was a bold, ambitious leader – tenacious and unrelenting in his pursuit of musical excellence. He shaped not only Glyndebourne’s history but played an important role in the cultural life of our country. Our thoughts are with his wife, Margo, and son, Hector, at this sad time.’


Image credits: Header, photo by Clive Nichols | Nicholas Snowman, photo by Mike Hoban

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