John Wilson joins Help Musicians as an ambassador

John Wilson has joined Help Musicians as the charity’s newest ambassador. In his new role, the Gateshead-born conductor will work to amplify Help Musicians’ advocacy and broaden the reach of the charity’s support for musicians in the UK.

Having studied composition and conducting at the Royal College of Music, Wilson founded the John Wilson Orchestra and in 2018 relaunched the Sinfonia of London. He joins Help Musicians’ broad list of ambassadors alongside fellow conductor Sir Simon Rattle, cellist Abel Selaocoe, pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason, singer-songwriter Bryan Adams and musician Chris Difford.

Help Musicians chief executive Sarah Woods said: ‘When working at the Royal Albert Hall, I was privileged to see the exceptional talent of the John Wilson Orchestra – bearing witness to the energy and inspirational leadership he brings to the stage to deliver truly exceptional performances to the audience every time. His connection to the musicians on the stage is palpable and extends to the audience, demonstrating the power of music to unite and move everyone within the space. Having trained at the RCM, John understands the incredible hard work that it takes to forge a career as a professional musician; the hours of practising, the financial investment needed and the pressure that comes with it. I know that as a Help Musicians Ambassador, John will help us inspire more musicians in future to continue on their journey to forge a sustainable career in music.’

Founded in 1921 by members of the music industry including Elgar and Vaughan Williams in response to the death of tenor Gervase Elwes, Help Musicians ‘supports professional musicians through times of crisis and opportunity’. Wilson joins the charity at a time when UK musicians need more support than ever. The charity’s 2023 Musicians’ Census, delivered jointly with the Musicians’ Union, found that 80% of musicians encounter at least one career-restricting barrier to making meaningful income and almost a third of all musicians report experiences with negative mental wellbeing.

Wilson said: ‘Nothing beats the thrill of hearing live music and here in the UK we have some of the greatest musicians in the world - singers and players who continually strive to be the best they can be, in an environment which is often precarious and uncertain.  For over 100 years, Help Musicians has offered a vital lifeline to those in trouble, and I am proud to be an ambassador for this wonderful organisation.’