Southbank Sinfonia is pleased to announce the appointment of William Norris as Managing Director. William joins us in late-July 2018, taking over from James Murphy who departs to be Chief Executive of the Royal Philharmonic Society.
William comes to Southbank Sinfonia from Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra and Chamber Choir, Canada’s leading period instrument ensemble, following three years as its Managing Director. Before this, he played a pivotal role at the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment in London, revolutionising the organisation’s marketing and developing their acclaimed series, The Night Shift.
“I've been watching the impressive progress Southbank Sinfonia has been making for a while now, and have admired its tenacity and bravery in challenging some of the norms of classical music and in particular for so strongly campaigning for a gender balance within our industry,” he comments. “I’m really excited to be joining this great team at such a promising moment and look forward to continuing the important work of the organisation, both in giving young musicians a superb start in the industry and helping to challenge their – and audiences’ – notions of what classical music is and can be in the 21st century.”
Sean Finnan, Chair of Southbank Sinfonia, adds: "William’s track record, experience and contacts in the profession are top quality and we are thrilled to have him on board. Attracting someone of William’s calibre is a great endorsement of our strategy and ambition. He brings with him incredibly strong knowledge and ideas which will be vital as we continue our ambitious plans to grow and develop Southbank Sinfonia both as a charity and as an orchestra."
Simon Over, Founder and Music Director of Southbank Sinfonia, comments: “I couldn’t be more delighted that William is joining us at this crucial moment in Southbank Sinfonia’s history. Both William and the orchestra are renowned for creativity and innovation so he is a perfect fit. We’re all looking forward to seeing the orchestra flourish under his leadership.”
Find out more about William here.
Find out more about Southbank Sinfonia here.