Sinfonia Viva Announces Lucy Galliard As New Chief Executive

Sinfonia Viva Announces Lucy Galliard As New Chief Executive

Sinfonia Viva, the East Midlands’ professional orchestra, has appointed a new chief executive who is due to join the Derby-based organisation in January 2022 at the start of its 40th anniversary year.

Lucy Galliard joins Sinfonia Viva from the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, which she joined in 2014 as Director of Learning and Participation. She currently leads the teams responsible for the CBSO’s three symphonic choruses, CBSO Youth Orchestra and all of the CBSO’s education and outreach programmes. Lucy also leads the CBSO’s equality, diversity and inclusion strategy.

Sinfonia Viva chair of trustees Tony Davis 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 Galliard grew up in Norfolk where, from a young age, she was heavily involved in the local music making scene. She studied piano, trumpet and cello - performing with various chamber ensembles, orchestras, wind bands as well as being a regular performer with music theatre groups.

Lucy went on to read music at the University of York and completed an MA in Film Music Studies at the University of Leeds.

Lucy began her career in the arts with a community arts organisation in Doncaster before joining Live Music Now Yorkshire & Lincolnshire in 2003. She spent the next ten years with the organisation, progressing to become the Acting Executive Director in 2012.

Lucy’s experience of working with Live Music Now instilled a commitment to bringing high quality live performance to all, especially in rural communities. 

Since joining the CBSO in 2014, Lucy has been actively involved in enabling people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to access and benefit from engagement with live music across a wide spectrum of formats and venues. Lucy has developed a range of programmes for local communities, schools and talented young musicians; providing opportunities for musicians to share their creativity and passion for music making with new audiences.

Lucy Galliard commented: “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.”

 

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