Andrew Comben appointed new CEO of Britten Pears Arts

Britten Pears Arts announces Andrew Comben as its new Chief Executive Officer, and he will start the role in September 2024.

Andrew joins Britten Pears Arts from Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival where he has been Chief Executive since 2008. Originally from Australia, he has worked in the arts in the UK since 1993, and in senior leadership roles at Wigmore Hall (Head of Artistic Planning) and Britten Pears Arts (Director, Britten Pears Young Artist Programme).

At Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival he has established the annual Guest Director model for Brighton Festival, with artists such as Anish Kapoor, Laurie Anderson, Kae Tempest, Lemn Sissay and Frank Cottrell-Boyce. He has also overseen the expansion of the organisation’s work with communities and young people, including the operation of music education hub Create Music across Brighton & Hove and East Sussex, and the restoration and redevelopment of the Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre into world class spaces for the performing arts.

Andrew Comben commented, ‘The legacy of Britten and Pears, and the work of the organisation that has grown from their vision, is a beacon for artists and audiences and for anyone passionate about the role music and the arts can play in society. I am honoured to become the next Chief Executive of Britten Pears Arts, and I look forward to working with its brilliant staff team and Board to develop its next chapter together. I want to pay tribute to my predecessors, particularly Roger Wright, for their dedication to establishing the conditions for artists to do their best work and I look forward to building on their achievements.’

Sir Simon Robey, Chair of the Board of Trustees, Britten Pears Arts commented, ‘Our appointment of Andrew brings back to Britten Pears Arts someone we know well. After he left us in 2003, he enjoyed success at the Wigmore Hall and, in particular, has led Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival with distinction for the last 16 years. He has built loyal audiences in Brighton, has a great love for and commitment to the arts, and is passionate about working in the community and with young people – all things that are central to Britten Pears Arts’ work. There will be other occasions to mark Roger’s truly exceptional contribution to Britten Pears Arts; today is a day to celebrate the appointment of such a wonderful successor. The whole board joins me in welcoming him.’

The appointment has been made following an extensive search process led by Saxton Bampfylde. Andrew succeeds Roger Wright CBE who leaves Britten Pears Arts after 10 years at the helm.

Photo credit: Carlotta Luke