Conductor Ben Glassberg to Leave Volksoper Wien, Citing Struggles With Depression

Glassberg said he has "tried very hard to be open with my colleagues and friends about my current mental health challenges"

The British conductor Ben Glassberg has stepped down from his post as Music Director of the Volksoper Wien after 2.5 years in the position. In his resignation statement, he noted that he has been experiencing an ongoing struggle with depression, and for this reason has decided to step back.

While working with the Volksoper, Glassberg conducted operas including Mozart's Die Zauberflöte, Bizet's Carmen, Mozart's La Clemenza di Tito, Humperdinck's Hansel und Gretel, Puccini's La bohème, and a new production of Bernstein's West Side Story.

He has recently made debuts at the Hamburg State Opera, Deutsche Oper Berlin, and the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées.

He has also previously been the Associate Guest Conductor of the Orchestre National de Lyon, and Principal Conductor of the Glyndebourne Tour.

The winner of the 55th Besançon Young Conductors Competition 2017, Glassberg studied at the University of Cambridge and the Royal Academy of Music.

"Ben Glassberg brought many outstanding artistic moments to Volksoper Wien during his time as a Music Director," said Lotte de Beer, Director of the Volksoper Wien. "We wish him all the best for the future."

"It has been a privilege to be able to share in groundbreaking music as Music Director and before that as Principal Guest Conductor of the Volksoper Wien, and I have great respect for Lotte de Beer and the entire Volksoper team," Glassberg said. "I have tried very hard to be open with my colleagues and friends about my current mental health challenges. Thankfully, I am making great progress and feel stronger every day. Stepping away from the Volksoper, as difficult as it is, will hopefully accelerate my recovery."

"I hope that everyone will allow me the space and time to maintain my progress and I am looking forward to working with the brilliant orchestras and houses that have been kind enough to have me as guest conductor. I’m really excited about my final year as Music Director in Rouen and returning, in the coming months, to working with Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra and the Deutsche Oper Berlin."

"I’m doing well, thanks to the amazing unconditional love of my family and friends – and the wonderful thing about returning to London is that I’ll be able to devote more time to my beautiful children. Thanks everyone for your kindness and support."