London’s Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Hires New Managing Director

Music administrator Sarah Bardwell will succeed James Williams in the position

As Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s (RPO) Managing Director, Sarah Bardwell succeeds James Williams, who will depart the role at the end of the current season. Bardwell’s transition into the role will be supported by the wider RPO management team and the newly appointed Director of Artistic Planning & Partnerships, Tom Philpott. 

Previously, Bardwell was CEO of the Britten Pears Foundation, where she led the merger with Snape Maltings to create Britten Pears Arts — of which she now serves as Executive Director. Her portfolio includes income generation, strategic planning, marketing, and diversity lead. 

A music graduate, Bardwell pursued a year-long arts leaders fellowship at the Kennedy Center and has worked at the Royal Albert Hall and English National Opera as a fundraiser. 

She also led London’s Handel House for more than 10 years, during which time she transformed into the Handel Hendrix House.

“[I’m excited] to be able to build on the incredible work that James Williams, his management team, the musicians and the staff have done over the last eight years,” Bardwell said in the press release. “I am passionate about orchestral music and delight in the variety and quality of the work that the RPO undertakes on the concert platform, in the recording studio and in the areas of education and health. This is a vital and vibrant organization and I am looking forward to working with the players, management, staff and supporters to continue the RPO’s mission to be a leading orchestra of excellence and inclusivity."

“[We are] delighted to be welcoming Sarah to the RPO’s leadership team at a hugely exciting time in the Orchestra’s history,” said RPO’s Chair Andrew Storey. “In recent years, the Orchestra has made significant progress in broadening and diversifying its audience, whilst furthering its artistic ambitions with Music Director, Vasily Petrenko.

“Sarah will bring to the RPO a proven track record and outstanding critical thinking,” he continued. “She displays leadership skills that are dynamic whilst also being engaging and fully inclusive – important qualities which reflect the RPO’s core mission.

“[We] remain indebted to our outgoing Managing Director, James Williams, for his leadership, conviction and vision during an era of unprecedented change in the performing arts sector,” Storey added. “James leaves the RPO in a position of strength and we warmly welcome Sarah to the team, as we embark on our next chapter with confidence, unity and ambition.”