Orchestra announces new chief executive

Professional orchestra Sinfonia Viva has announced the identity of its new chief executive who will take up the reins at the start of its 40th anniversary year.

Lucy Galliard will take up the post in January, joining from the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO).

She currently leads the teams responsible for the CBSO’s three symphonic choruses, youth orchestra and all of its education and outreach programmes. She also leads its equality, diversity and inclusion strategy.

Tony Davis, chair of trustees at Sinfonia Viva, said: “After a rigorous recruitment process, involving a high calibre field of candidates, we are delighted to have appointed Lucy as our new chief executive. Her arrival will herald an exciting new chapter for the organisation.

“Lucy’s extensive skills and experience will enable Viva to further build on our solid foundations as a much-loved and diverse orchestra that is committed to making high quality music accessible to all, whether that is engagement work in local communities or in concert halls across the region and beyond.

“Lucy will be joining Viva at an exciting time as we celebrate our 40th anniversary and also actively participate in the region’s renaissance as a cultural hub – not least in the collective bid for Derby to be named UK City of Culture 2025.”

Lucy said: “I am delighted to be joining Sinfonia Viva at such an important time.

“There are still many challenges ahead for the whole arts sector and our wider communities, but thanks to Viva’s reputation for innovation and excellence, I am confident that the orchestra has a bright future ahead.

“I am looking forward to working with the whole team at Viva and our many partners and collaborators as we bring great music to audiences and participants across the East Midlands and beyond.”