Matthew Swann appointed director of BBC Concert Orchestra
Florence Lockheart
Monday, March 4, 2024
Swann takes up his new role on 27 March, bringing with him experience from roles with City of London Sinfonia and Orchestras Live
The BBC Concert Orchestra has announced the appointment of Matthew Swann to the role of director, succeeding Andrew Connolly who stepped down in 2020 after over 20 years as director. Effective from 27 March, Swann will work with the orchestra and with chief conductor Anna-Maria Helsing to continue the orchestra’s work across the BBC’s radio stations and television channels.
Swann brings to the role over 20 years’ experience in leadership roles across orchestral music. His experience includes a nine-year period as chief executive of City of London Sinfonia (2012 – 2021) as well as roles at the Roundhouse in Camden, where he created the Reverb and Voices Now festivals.
He said: ‘I am thrilled to be joining the BBC Concert Orchestra at such an exciting time, with the recent success of BBC Radio 2's Piano Room, their continued partnerships with Nottingham's universities and Orchestras Live in Great Yarmouth, and the upcoming launch of Friday Night is Music Night on BBC Radio 3. Having experienced the orchestra live in London, Nottingham and on BBC Radio 3, I am blown away by the kaleidoscopic brilliance they bring to the range of music they perform.’
Swann also co-founded Your Turn Collective, an organisation working to support classical music creators from under-represented backgrounds in their creation of new work as well as reimagining historical repertoire. As an Orchestras Live trustee, he co-authored the second Orchestras in Healthcare report, while his work with RIAC (Responsible Influence in Arts and Culture) has contributed to younger, more diverse trustees being welcomed into the cultural sector.
Simon Webb, the BBC's head of Orchestras and Choirs, says: ‘I am delighted to be welcoming Matthew to the BBC Orchestras and Choirs team. Matthew’s record of both delivering high quality orchestral programmes and being committed to music outreach and education make him a perfect fit for the BBC Concert Orchestra, especially at this time when the orchestra is thriving. We are looking forward to what’s to come!’
