Julian Lloyd Webber is reborn as head of conservatoire
mainThe international cellist, forced to retire from the concert stage last April with a neck injury, has found a new life as principal of the Birmingham Conservatoire.
It’s a high-profile appointment at an important time. Birmingham City University is building the conservatoire a new concert hall and expanded practice facilities. Julian, 63, will make sure it gets its fair share of public attention.
He said: ‘I am honoured and thrilled to be chosen as the new Principal of Birmingham Conservatoire. The state-of-the-art facilities being built within Birmingham City University’s superb campus will be second to none and superior to many, both throughout the UK and beyond. I am especially excited about the fantastic opportunities that will be on offer to our students.’
Julian Lloyd Webber replaces the outgoing principal, David Saint, who retires in April.
A great move. Profile, passion and intelligence. Good luck, Julian.
Correction: BCU is building a completely new Conservatoire which includes 5 new performance spaces (Concert Hall, Recital Hall, Experimental Performance Space, Jazz Venue, Organ Hall). All complemented by new teaching, practise and studio facilities.
That institution badly needs a leader with a strong voice and a high profile; it’s been drifting for a long time. This has the potential to be very good news for Birmingham Conservatoire. Here’s hoping he’s very hands-on!
David Saint will be sorely missed!
A top leader and first class musician – Birmingham Conservatoire owe him a great deal……
On behalf of all former staff and students, David – thank you!
(The Cathedral are still fortunate in having his professionalism as he is not retiring…. only moving on from leading the conservatoire…..)