We are delighted to introduce our new General Manager Phil Gietzen, who joined us at the beginning of this month.

Whilst studying music at Bangor University Phil was heavily involved in the organisation of various different ensembles and events. It was during this time that he decided to pursue a career in Arts Administration and so in 2013 he started working in the Box Office at Garsington Opera in Buckinghamshire. Over the next 8 years he went on to be the Box Office Manager and, more recently, Operations Manager.

Whilst at Garsington Phil worked closely with the Board of Directors and the Senior Management Team in the planning and application of 8 opera seasons. As an opera fan Phil loved being involved in world-class productions using some of the best conductors, singers and orchestras in the world, a particular highlight being the 2019 production of The Turn of The Screw.  He relished the opportunity to work with the Learning and Participation department to help deliver various transformational projects most notably the world-premiere of Silver Birch by Roxanna Panufnik involving 180 singers from the local community.

As a musician Phil has sung with different orchestras in many of the top venues in the country including the Royal Albert Hall and the Southbank Centre whilst a member of The Bach Choir and has recently ‘dusted off’ his tenor saxophone to join local swing group Swing Street. Whilst at University he was the choral director for the Bangor University Music Society and directed the Bangor University Jazz Band and sang in the university’s annual opera performances.

Recently appointed as General Manager for Hastings International Piano, Phil has enjoyed returning to his roots in Sussex and is really looking forward to bringing his experience and knowledge to help the charity grow and develop its programme.

Hastings International Piano’s Managing Director Ian Roberts says:

I am delighted that Phil has joined us from one of the most prestigious classical music organisations Garsington Opera.
Phil’s wealth of experience successfully gained over the past decade will benefit our Hastings International Piano audiences and help to cement our ambitious plans for the future.
I look forward to introducing you all to him over the coming weeks and months.