Skip to main navigationSkip to main content
The University of Southampton
Humanities

Turner Sims’ Kevin Appleby named Concert Hall Manager of the Year

Published: 28 January 2013Origin: Music
Picture by Jonny Walton Kapur

At Wednesday night’s ABO/Rhinegold Awards Kevin Appleby, Concert Hall Manager of Turner Sims, was awarded the prestigious Concert Hall Manager of the Year Award.

 Violinist Nicola Benedetti presented the award to Kevin during the ceremony at the Association of British Orchestras (ABO) conference in Leeds. Turner Sims, located on the University's Highfield campus, is one of the busiest arts venues in the South, and staff and students from Music perform there in professional quality surroundings.

Tribute was paid to Kevin’s innovative approach to concert programming, among other notable achievements:
Kevin Appleby’s success came through programming ‘an orchestral series that consistently punches above its weight in quality, innovation and content’, helping established and emerging chamber orchestras to find a regular base outside their home cities, and ‘a detailed, systematic and strategic approach to marketing which creates accurate audience analysis to inform creative programming’. ‘The Turner Sims orchestral programme sits within a successful wider music programme of chamber music and soloists and wider music genres such as folk, world and jazz, where there is considerable audience crossover. This award recognises his flair for programming and a significant contribution to our musical life.’ Classical Music

Particular reference was made to the success of Turner Sims’ Music Nation event in March 2012, Southampton’s Musical Alphabet - a city-wide event featuring over 50 events in 26 hours by over 500 performers in 23 locations, and which was recognised as a defining achievement of the year.

Kevin Appleby says of his award:
‘I'm honoured to receive this award on behalf of Turner Sims and the whole venue team. In the past year Turner Sims has presented and played host to some exceptional events. From the world premiere of Sally Beamish's PRS 20x12 commission for the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Spinal Chords, and the Aurora Orchestra's Thriller programme to the 26-hour citywide celebration Southampton's Musical Alphabet, we have been able to bring some unforgettable musical moments to audiences. To receive recognition for this is very special. We could not do such events without the input of our key supporters and stakeholders, particularly the University of Southampton, Arts Council England, Orchestras Live and Southampton City Council. I'm grateful to the ABO and Rhinegold Publishing for the award and the opportunity to celebrate the key partnerships which help us deliver such great music live.’

Sally Abbott, Regional Director, South East, Arts Council England says:
'Congratulations to Kevin Appleby and Turner Sims for this very well deserved honour. Kevin has done excellent work as Concert Hall Manager to reach new audiences with outstanding orchestral, jazz and chamber music programme at Turner Sims, an Arts Council England National portfolio organisation, and we look forward to another inspiring year of music provided for the people of Southampton, Hampshire and beyond.'

Privacy Settings