David Hockney at Glyndebourne

In celebration of David Hockney’s life, we take a look back at his long-standing collaborations with Glyndebourne.

Gus Christie, Glyndebourne Executive Chairman, remembers him fondly, reflecting on their decades-long friendship: ‘David’s wonderful set and costume designs in John Cox’s production of The Rake’s Progress still never fail to elicit gasps of awe from audiences fifty years after its creation. Every time we revived this iconic show, David came back and sprinkled his magic fairy dust and lit up the theatre with his wonderful suits and mischievous grin! We will miss him greatly but his designs and art will live on.’

Hockney first came to Glyndebourne in 1975, where he designed his first opera The Rake’s Progress alongside director John Cox. This collaboration marked the start of Hockney’s long career in opera design; The Rake’s Progress now holds the title of the longest-running opera production in the UK and is widely considered the definitive visual and theatrical interpretation of this opera – a testament to the sheer brilliance of his designs.

John Cox said, ‘There can be little doubt that Glyndebourne has played a major part in bringing The Rake’s Progress nearer the centre of standard operatic repertoire and keeping it there; and there can be no doubt at all that it is the contribution of a major English artist which has given the production its staying power.’

The Rake’s Progress was last on the Glyndebourne stage during Festival 2023, and Hockney attended both the opening and final performances.

Photo: Hockney and Cox in rehearsals, Glyndebourne, 1975, Guy Gravett / Glyndebourne Productions Ltd

Photo: David Hockney at the curtain call of The Rake’s Progress in Festival 2023, Glyndebourne, 2023, Graham Carlow / Glyndebourne Productions Ltd

After the success of The Rake’s Progress, David Hockney and John Cox collaborated again in 1978 on The Magic Flute (Die Zauberflöte) which starred Felicity Lott.

Photo: Hockney & Cox in the gardens, Glyndebourne, 1978, Guy Gravett / Glyndebourne Productions Ltd

David Hockney also designed 5 of our Festival programme book covers, in 1975, 1978, 1989, 1995 and 2010.