*
banner

British Orchestras elect new leader

Simon Webb has become the new Chair of the Association of British Orchestras

Webb
  Simon Webb takes on the new role

Simon Webb, Director of the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, has been elected as the new Chair of the Association of British Orchestras (ABO). He succeeds Gavin Reid, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra.

National body

The ABO is the national body representing the collective interests of professional orchestras, youth ensembles and the wider classical music industry throughout the UK. Its mission is to enable and support an innovative, collaborative and sustainable orchestral sector.

Simon Webb has been the Director of the BBC Philharmonic since 2014. Previously he was Director of Orchestral Management at the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. He is currently a governor of Chetham's School of Music in Manchester and chair of the Association of British Orchestras.

Experience

Speaking about the appointment, ABO Director Mark Pemberton said: "I'm delighted that Simon has been elected Chair of the ABO.

His experience as both a musician and manager will be invaluable in putting the ABO at the heart of strategies for sustaining and rebuilding the orchestral sector as we emerge from the pandemic."

His experience as both a musician and manager will be invaluable in putting the ABO at the heart of strategies for sustaining and rebuilding the orchestral sector as we emerge from the pandemicMark Pemberton

Challenging times

In response Simon said: "The work the ABO does on behalf of the UK orchestral sector is essential and greatly valued by its membership. I look forward to working with Mark Pemberton, his team and the ABO board to ensure the UK's orchestras remain fully supported during these challenging times and beyond.

Gavin Reid has chaired the ABO for the last three years and I thank him for his excellent leadership over this period."

4BR was informed that in addition to Gavin Reid, outgoing board members are Matthew Swann, Ginny Macbeth and Catherine Arlidge MBE. The remaining board members will conduct a Governance Review prior to new board members being elected in Spring 2021.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


aobba

Cheltenham experience added to new AoBBA intake

September 11 • Four musicians will enjoy an insight into the adjudication process at the National Finals in Cheltenham this weekend.


Rockingham

Decade of joint music making to come to end at Rockingham

September 11 • Adam Whittle will step down from his role as Musical Director of Rockingham Band at the end of this year.


NYBBGB C

National Children's Band Summer Course concert to be broadcast

September 10 • You can sit back and enjoy the talents of the National Children's Band of Great Britain as their end of course concert from their recent Summer Course in to be broadcast on YouTube this Friday.


Cheltenham

Runners and riders confirmed for Cheltenham

September 10 • The official list of competing bands and their conductors for the 2025 Cheltenham National Finals has been released by Kapitol Promotions.


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Delph Band

September 9 • We are a friendly, hardworking North West 2nd Section band based in Saddleworth. Rehearsal nights are Mondays and Wednesdays, 8-10pm at Delph Band Club. We are currently looking to fill the following positions; Tutti Cornet, Percussion and Eb Bass.


Otley Brass Association

September 7 • Front Row Cornet. -. Otley Brass Band are keen to recruit a 5th member for their front row cornets (position negotiable).. . This is an exciting opportunity to join a thriving band of 30+ players under the leadership of our newly appointed MD, Martyn Beecham


wantage silver band

September 6 • Wantage Band (Championship Section) have vacancies for a Bb BASS PLAYER and THIRD CORNET to complete their line up. Plenty of great concerts from now until Christmas with the Welsh Open, L&SC Area, British Open Grand Shield and Whit Friday in 2026.


Derek Renshaw

ABBA Member
Conductor, Band Trainer and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd