Longborough Festival founder dies aged 83

Martin Graham, founder of the Cotswolds-based Longborough Festival Opera, has died aged 83. 

Graham established the festival alongside his wife Lizzie in the grounds of their home in 1991 as Banks Fee Opera. Longborough Festival Opera has since grown into an established opera company, situated in the heart of the Cotswolds, with an annual season taking place in a purpose-built opera house seating 500.

Graham's own passion for Wagner steered the festival into its Wagner specialism, and he chaired the board of trustees for over twenty years, stepping down after his 80th birthday.

Martin Graham is survived by Lizzie, their three children, including the Festival's CEO Polly Graham. 

Longborough’s Music Director Anthony Negus said, 'I was so lucky to become involved with Longborough in 2000: Martin was an enabler and inspirer who made one feel that anything that one wished to achieve would be possible. With the participation of all the Company, we were able to complete the small Ring cycles and go on to perform the full Ring not once but twice. It was Martin's will, energy and encouragement behind it that inspired us all to fulfil our talents and make it happen. His legacy continues the journey today and tomorrow, and the thought and memory of him will continue to bring inspiration to us all: thank you Martin.'

Longborough’s Chair of Trustees Andrew Mosely said, 'Martin’s life was marked by many achievements, but it is his boldness in establishing Longborough Festival Opera with the support of Lizzie and later his three children Polly, Cordelia and Leo that is perhaps the most fitting tribute to his extraordinary and well-lived life'.

This news story was originally published by our sister magazine, Opera Now. You can find the original version fo this story here.