Just in: Composers’ voice calls time on her career
mainThe phenomenally dedicated Sally Groves, who has devoted her working life to the works of such important composers as Hans Werner Henze, Michael Tippett, Mark Anthony Turnage and Steve Martland, has decided to step down as creative director of Schott publishing firm after 40 years.
Press release below. She will be irreplaceable.
Schott Music is delighted to announce that Sam Rigby will follow Sally Groves as Creative Director, London.
Sally has decided to retire next year after 40 years working with her colleagues in Mainz, New York and Tokyo to build up and support the prestigious international roster of composers published in the Music of Our Time catalogue.
Sam comes with ten years’ experience with Intermusica, where his deep interest in contemporary music has informed his work with artists and projects all over the world. Sam will join Schott Music on 2 January 2014 as Creative Director Designate, working with Sally and her colleagues on a thorough six months’ handover. On 1 July he will assume the full title and join the London Board, with Dr Hanser-Strecker, Judith Webb (Managing Director) and Nigel Wildish.
Dr Peter Hanser-Strecker, Chair of the Schott Music Group, comments: “We are sad to be losing Sally from our Schott family after such a long and fruitful time, but we are absolutely delighted to welcome Sam and look forward to many years working with him.”
Sally adds: “I am so very happy and proud that Sam has agreed to join the international publishing team here at Schott. Promoting, supporting and protecting classical music in all its extraordinary richness is a lifetime’s work and needs strong vision and a collaborative approach. I am fully confident that Sam is the right person to take our work here forward.”
She really is irreplaceable. I can think of at least five orchestral works (not all by Schott composers, by any means) which would not have existed (because we wouldn’t have commissioned them) without Sally’s advice, guidance and encouragement. There must be hundreds more. Her commitment to new music is absolute; it’s never been confined to Schott alone. Can’t imagine the UK classical music world without her.
Sally is a phenomenon and will certainly be missed. But Sam Rigby is a very bright guy and will definitely make his own mark on the job.
Remember her from 30 years ago. An institution. Will no doubt be sadly missed — but all best to her for her retirement!