LPO appoints Dr Catherine Høgel as chair of board of directors

The London Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) has announced the appointment of Dr Catherine Høgel to the role of chair of the board of directors, effective today. Dr Høgel succeeds Victoria Robey OBE, who was the first non-player chair in the Orchestra’s history and held the role for ten years.

Dr Høgel has three years of experience as vice-chair of the board alongside outgoing chair Lady Robey who took the role in 2012 during a merger of the London Philharmonic Trust and LPO Board and undertook an extra year as chair during the pandemic.

LPO chief executive, David Burke, said: ‘This is an important moment in the Orchestra’s life, with the appointment of only its second ever non-player Chair. [Dr Høgel] brings a perfect balance of her experience of the arts in the UK and internationally over many years, alongside a deep understanding of what makes the London Philharmonic Orchestra a uniquely special and successful organisation.’

Dr Høgelgraduated from medical school in London in 2006, having studied at both Durham and Harvard Universities to gain a Masters in Psychology. She is currently taking time out of medicine.

Dr Høgelhas served on boards for cultural organisations including the Dunard Fund, Colburn School of Performing Arts, Awards for Young Musicians and the Honorary Board of the Royal Opera House, and has been part of the London Philharmonic Trust’s Advisory Council, as well as its Board of Directors.

This extensive prior experience, along with her relationships with LPO staff and partners, are expected to help Dr Høgel succeed in this role. She places particular emphasis on the Orchestra’s equality, diversity and inclusion work and sustainability.

Founded in 1932, the LPO has performed at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall since it opened in 1951, becoming resident orchestra in 1992. It performs internationally and across the UK with residencies in Brighton, Eastbourne, Saffron Walden, and Glyndebourne Festival Opera.

Dr Høgel said: ‘Through world-class musical performance, programming and education the orchestra stakes its position and relevance in the modern world, curating music to reach the widest possible audience and bringing with it the ability to inspire, transform and uplift. I enter this role with huge excitement for the future of this remarkable organisation.’

You can find out more about the LPO here.