Southampton concert hall manager to head up prestigious national organisation
Kevin Appleby, Concert Hall Manager of the University of Southampton’s Turner Sims has been appointed the new Chair of the British Association of Concert Halls (BACH).
It’s been announced he will take up the position following the retirement of the previous Chair, Andrew Jowett, of Symphony Hall, Birmingham. Matthew Sims, Head of Arts, Events and Venues at Leeds City Council, becomes Vice-Chair.
Kevin, who will continue in his role at Turner Sims, says: “I’m delighted and honoured to become Chair of the British Association of Concert Halls. My predecessor did a great job, steering the organisation capably through the last two decades.
“The Association is now a strong group, and while concert halls are currently operating in a challenging environment, the contribution they make to British cultural life is vital. Every concert hall has a huge impact on its location and enables arts activity to happen there which would otherwise not take place. I look forward to leading the organisation in these exciting times.”
BACH is the national body representing venues with a significant classical music programme. Founded in 1995, its members include concert halls throughout the country, from Edinburgh to Poole and Cardiff to Saffron Walden. Last year, nearly 1.7 million people enjoyed concerts in member venues.
The University of Southampton is home to three world-class arts venues, including Turner Sims. The institution has most recently shown its commitment to the cultural life of Southampton as a key partner in the development of a new arts complex, Studio 144, in the city centre.