Royal Philharmonic Society Names New Chair

Angela Dixon, a past Head of Music at the Barbican Centre, will succeed John Gilhooly

The UK's Royal Philharmonic Society (RPS) recently announced that Angela Dixon will become its new Chair. She succeeds John Gilhooly, who has been RPS Chair for the last fourteen years alongside his work as Artistic and Executive Director of Wigmore Hall.

Dixon has worked in classical music administration for a quarter of a century. From 1999, she was the classical music programmer at the Barbican Centre, where her championing of living composers such as Thomas Adès and Steve Reich earned her several awards for programming. She became the Barbican's Head of Music in 2011 and worked on the 2012 Cultural Olympiad, as well as the Barbican Britten centenary festival in 2013.

Since 2014, Dixon has been the Chief Executive of the Saffron Hall Trust, and she also manages performing engagements for Thomas Adès.

The RPS paid tribute to Gilhooly, who during his time as Chair has overseen the bicentenary of the Society, the appointment of Chief Executive James Murphy, the implementation of a new strategic direction, notable growth in charitable activities, and the major re-launch of RPS Membership.

"It is a great honor for me to become Chair of the Royal Philharmonic Society," Dixon said. "The Society has been the guardian of excellence in UK classical music since its inception in 1813 and more recently, a champion of diversity; preserving its rich history whilst embracing an exciting future. This is a turbulent time for the arts and music in particular; the Society must continue to advocate for all of the possibilities and positive outcomes music can have for communities."

"The Society is indebted to John for his dedication, advocacy and care. He has navigated the RPS through some very challenging times with his thoughtful and effective leadership, the positive impact of which will be felt for considerable time to come. I will strive to continue the momentum he has set in train."

"Through my years chairing the RPS, much has changed in classical music and society at large," said John Gilhooly. "As the world lurches from one challenge to another, music will fortify us through anything, so long as we invest the care, resource and imagination in ensuring it can prosper."

"I am grateful to everyone who has helped us to do this at the RPS. I will remain a devoted friend and Member of the RPS, and I am delighted to pass the reins to Angela who is such an inspirational colleague to so many of us in music."