Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society appoints trustee

The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society (RLPS) has announced the appointment of Matthew Cooke to its board of trustees. Cooke brings to his new role broad experience in communications, marketing and leadership in the music sphere and beyond.

Cooke will balance his responsibility as a board member with his current role as global director of Communications and Marketing, Financial Services at international consultancy firm McKinsey and Company. As a trustee he will work alongside a board led by NHS England North West regional director Louise Shepherd CBE which includes RLPO players Sameeta Gahir, Olga Smolen and RLPO chief executive Michael Eakin OBE, plus Spotify head of Artist and Industry Partnerships International Bryan Johnson and Decca Records co-president Tom Lewis alongside members from outside the music sphere.

Cooke said: ‘The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society has a well-deserved reputation for the deep and positive contribution of its many programmes to the benefit of the people of Liverpool, with an outstanding orchestra as the jewel in its crown. The opportunity to learn an instrument and experience ensemble playing as teenager was transformational to my own life chances. Helping ensure Liverpool Philharmonic’s continued success in driving economic and cultural vibrancy in the city, opportunities for its young people, and bringing world-class music-making to audiences in the region and from across the UK and beyond is an honour.’

Cooke also brings academic experience to the RLPS board as a graduate of the Royal Academy of Music where he studied Classical Viola, Music Theory and History. He also brings experience from previous positions including six years as chair of trustees of the Alexandra Palace and Park Charitable Trust and trading company, and eight years as an elected local government councillor in the London Borough of Haringey.