Southbank Sinfonia at St John’s Smith Square appoints new chair
Florence Lockheart
Monday, April 8, 2024
Dr Tracy Long CBE succeeds Duncan Sutherland, who has stepped down after nearly five years as chair
Southbank Sinfonia at St John’s Smith Square has announced the appointment of Dr Tracy Long CBE to the role of chair of the orchestra and venue. She succeeds Duncan Sutherland, who has stepped down after nearly five years as chair and 10 years as a trustee.
A founding director of Avalon Productions and Classic FM, Dr Long brings to her new role extensive experience as a board and committee member with organisations including the DCMS, Marlborough College, NESTA, London Symphony Orchestra and Royal Academy of Music as well as expertise gained after founding board effectiveness consultancy Boardroom Review Limited in 2004.
Southbank Sinfonia at St John’s Smith Square chief executive Rosie Fraser said: ‘I’m delighted that Tracy joins us as our new chair and believe her skills and experience make her the ideal person to take the organisation forward as we continue to nurture young, professional musicians through our Fellowship programme and deliver our exciting plans for showcasing our world-class music performances at St John’s Smith Square. As we begin 2024, we look ahead with confidence to a landmark year including the public launch of our new name, brand and website in June and of course many more wonderful concerts by our Fellowship orchestra, who remain at the heart of all that we do.’
Alongside her role with the London-based orchestra-venue partnership, Dr Long is also an advisory director of Carnegie Hall in New York, a mentor with the Kilfinan Group, an advisor on a variety of Government panels and a participant in Speakers for Schools.
Dr Long said: ’From my first encounter with the Sinfonia, I’ve been struck by the remarkable talent, energy and spirit of adventure of the young musicians and the team. I am delighted to be appointed as Chair and I look forward to working closely with our artists, audiences and communities as we embark on this next exciting chapter to enrich people’s lives through the power of music.’
Southbank Sinfonia joined forces with St John's Smith Square in 2021, forming a combined organisation Southbank Sinfonia at St John's Smith Square. At its home in Westminster the charity provides an annual fellowship programme, providing orchestral training and development to 33 emerging musicians, incorporating workshops, projects and community engagement initiatives.
