Sarah Bardwell to become new RPO managing director

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) has today announced the appointment of Sarah Bardwell to the role of managing director. Joining the Orchestra ahead of the 2024-25 season, Bardwell succeeds James Williams, who will take up the role of director of the Royal College of Music from September.

Currently executive director of Britten Pears Arts – the charity behind Snape Maltings, The Red House and the Aldeburgh Festival – Bardwell’s experience also includes a period as CEO of the Britten Pears Foundation where she led the merger with Snape Maltings which created Britten Pears Arts. She was also a driving force behind the transformation of London’s Handel House museum into Handel Hendrix House, which recently reopened after a £3 million refurbishment.

Bardwell said: ‘I am excited to be joining the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra as Managing Director and to be able to build on the incredible work that James Williams, his management team, the musicians and the staff have done over the last eight years. I am passionate about orchestral music and delight in the variety and quality of the work that the RPO undertakes on the concert platform, in the recording studio and in the areas of education and health. This is a vital and vibrant organisation and I am looking forward to working with the players, management, staff and supporters to continue the RPO’s mission to be a leading orchestra of excellence and inclusivity.’

After studying music at Durham University, Bardwell undertook a year-long arts leaders fellowship at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. She also brings to her new role fundraising experience at both the Royal Albert Hall and English National Opera.

RPO chair Andrew Storey said: ‘Sarah will bring to the RPO a proven track record and outstanding critical thinking. She displays leadership skills that are dynamic whilst also being engaging and fully inclusive – important qualities which reflect the RPO’s core mission. The RPO Board, musicians and staff remain indebted to our outgoing managing director, James Williams, for his leadership, conviction and vision during an era of unprecedented change in the performing arts sector. James will leave the RPO at the end of the current season, allowing for a smooth transition with Sarah and supported by the wider RPO management team and the newly appointed director of artistic planning & partnerships, Tom Philpott.’