SCO’s Gavin appointed chair of Association of British Orchestras

Gavin Reid is CEO of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and yesterday he was named as Chair of the Association of British Orchestras in succession to Kathryn McDowell CBE.

ABO Director Mark Pemberton said : “It was clear to the Board that Gavin Reid can provide the experienced leadership needed to guide the ABO through the next few years, including challenges such as Brexit, public funding and diversity within orchestras.

“Gavin is a strong collaborator, whose great experience in bringing leaders, managers, musicians, audiences and funders together will be invaluable. He is already a very familiar and respected figure within the ABO, having previously been a board member for six years. We are delighted to welcome him as our new Chair.”

On his appointment, Gavin Reid said: “It is a huge honour and privilege to be elected Chair of the ABO. I would like to thank Kathryn McDowell for her outstanding leadership of the ABO Board over the past three years as well as her tremendous commitment to the UK’s vibrant orchestral life.

“Since its foundation 70 years ago, the ABO has played a vitally important role, tirelessly advocating, championing and supporting the work of the UK’s remarkable orchestras.

“Our sector faces some tough challenges over the next few years. There is the potential impact that Brexit could have on our collective ability to engage with artists, promoters, venues, and funders in Europe.

“Pressures on public funding show no signs of easing and we cannot and must not lose sight of the need to address issues of diversity and inclusion. That said, our orchestras have never been in greater artistic health, never more innovative, never more resilient and never more needed.

“I look forward enormously to working with my colleagues across the UK in addressing both the challenges and the opportunities that lie ahead. In particular I am excited to welcome delegates from this country, across Europe and further afield, to our 2018 Annual Conference in January – to be held in Cardiff – and to what I know will be a stimulating, challenging, and highly relevant discussion on the theme of collaboration.”

Photo courtesy of SCO