English National Opera chief quits

THE chairman of the English National Opera, the city’s second biggest opera company, resigned Wednesday amid criticism of his leadership and the possibility of strike action by the staff.

Martin Smith said in his letter of resignation that he was proud of his achievements during 4 1/2 years at the helm. But he said that sustained criticism from members of the arts community and the media had made his job untenable.

Smith, who joined ENO in 2001 and agreed to a second term only nine months ago, said the company, on the brink of bankruptcy two years ago, was in its best shape in years, with good box-office returns. His deputy, Vernon Ellis, has been appointed acting chairman while the board searches for a replacement.

Smith’s departure follows that of chief executive and artistic director Sean Doran in November, BBC News reported.

Last month, staff at the company voted unanimously to ballot for strike action over perceived poor pay and pensions. Last week, 10 well-known members of the British arts scene sent an open letter to the board of directors calling for Smith’s resignation.

“It is clear now that my ability to continue helping ENO in future has been damaged by a campaign against me and that, however unjust I may feel this to be, a point has been reached where it would no longer serve the best interests of ENO for me to continue in office,” Smith said in his letter, released by the board Wednesday.

Smith added that “the intensity, inaccuracy and personal nature of these attacks have all escalated substantially” in recent months.

According to newspaper reports, the open letter was signed by former ENO head David Pountney and Scottish Ballet’s artistic director, Ashley Paige.