Philip Gietzen
GENERAL MANAGER
Phil joins Waterperry Opera Festival as General Manager, bringing a strong track record of leadership across the classical music sector.
Most recently, Phil served as General Manager of Instruments of Time & Truth, where he led the ensemble’s concert programming, finances and fundraising. His focus on building strong organisational structures and supporting artistic ambition is central to his work.
Alongside this, he has maintained a varied freelance portfolio as an Orchestra and Festival Manager, collaborating with organisations including Solomon’s Knot, Peasmarsh Chamber Music Festival and Hatfield House Chamber Music Festival to realise projects across the UK and Europe.
His previous roles include General Manager of Hastings International Piano, overseeing its internationally recognised concerto competition and annual concert series, and Operations Manager at Garsington Opera, where he spent eight seasons during a period of major growth.
He holds a Bachelor of Music from Bangor University, where he specialised in voice performance and served as Choral Director of the Bangor University Music Society.
Phil is passionate about widening access to opera and currently serves as Chair of Trustees for Prologue Opera. Away from work, he enjoys exploring the Sussex countryside with his young family and is a supporter of both Brighton & Hove Albion FC and Sussex County Cricket Club.
