UK orchestras elect new chief
OrchestrasThe Association of British Orchestras have a new chair, and how they need one.
The ABO has been all but invisible in the struggle to save BBC orchestras and the forthcoming fight to protect English National Orchestra.
The new chair is Sophie Lewis, Chief Executive of the National Children’s Orchestra.
She needs to start throwing toys out of the pram.
A new chair? Let’s hope it’s better than IKEA!
What on earth does she know about professional orchestras??? Joke.
They do not represent British orchestras, as shown recently regarding ENO and BBC.
May we add to her immediate brief some intervention in Northern Ballet, now proposing to give some performances already on sale to the accompaniment of recorded music please?
https://www.megaphone.org.uk/petitions/northern-ballet-and-arts-council-england-keep-northern-ballet-live?utm_source=socials&utm_medium=posts&utm_campaign=keepnorthernballetlive&fbclid=IwAR1xo3FqjnrQBMrc5BLuWm7FWYhtRB6UoV10c6ocMzDpmufZFFvt1iOaDs8
Nanny knows best – or does she?
Does she have the experience and expertise to lead the ABO at a time when their professional input, influence & credibility are most needed with BBC & ENO Orchestras about to be severely diminished?
There is a considerable difference running an Amateur childrens orchestra to heading and taking responsibility for the professional ones.
A very poorly judged appointment.
Have you actually read her CV? Previously led Sinfonia Cymru, has worked at WNO and ENO. Also the NCO is part of the future of the art form, not something to be sniffily dismissed as amateur.
Instead of assuming she’s never done anything other than run a children’s orchestra (prob harder than running grown-ups), how about looking at her actual CV, which is more extensive.
https://www.classical-music.uk/news/article/sophie-lewis-appointed-as-abo-chair
“Having joined National Children’s Orchestras in 2018, Lewis is responsible for the strategic development and overall management of the charity. Before this, she spent 10 years as chief executive of Sinfonia Cymru in Wales, winning the inaugural ABO Classical Music Orchestra Manager of the Year Award for her work with the Welsh chamber orchestra. Her experience also includes roles with Welsh National Opera, Arts Council England and English National Opera.”
An ACE crony then.
She doesn’t look like CHAIR to me. What has happened to the English language? Presumably we cannot even call her a MANager.
The Association of British Orchestras has been deafeningly silent on the recent threat to the survival of the BBC orchestras, Northern Ballet Sinfonia and English National Opera Orchestra- threats which are still ongoing, leaving the Musicians’ Union,
various conductors and the public to fight their battles for them . Let’s hope Ms Lewis can put right the extensive shortcomings of her predecessor.
I know Sophie and she is absolutely incredible, couldn’t imagine a better appointment.
Sorry but what the ABO actually do?