Southbank Sinfonia is delighted to announce the appointment of Joint Chairmen, Professor Peter Toyne CBE and Duncan Sutherland to its Board of Trustees.
Peter Toyne, who assumes responsibility for matters relating to Governance and Performance, began his academic career as a Lecturer in Geography at Exeter University and thereafter has held various leadership positions in Higher Education including HM Government’s Department of Education & Science, West Sussex Institute, North East London Polytechnic, and most recently as Vice-Chancellor of Liverpool John Moores University.
Professor Peter Toyne CBE
His love of the arts began as a chorister at Ripon Cathedral and since then he chaired the City of Liverpool’s successful bid to be European Capital of Culture in 2008, the Friends of Cathedral Music and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.
Speaking of his appointment, he said: “Since its foundation in 2002, Southbank Sinfonia has established an enviable reputation as a unique, innovative and lively organisation contributing significantly to the professional education and experience of young musicians from around the world.
It is an enormous privilege to have been entrusted with chairing the next phase of its development. These are challenging times for all musical and cultural organisations, but I'm really looking forward to working with my new colleagues at Southbank Sinfonia by building enthusiastically on our orchestra's established reputation in providing innovative musical education and outreach."
Duncan Sutherland, who assumes responsibility for matters relating to Facilities and Capital Development, has over 30 years’ experience in property, housing, investment, regeneration and development with particular emphasis on public/private partnerships involving government, local government, local communities and private investment. He is Director of Sigma Inpartnership and is a director on the Board of Homes England. He has served on Southbank Sinfonia’s Board of Trustees for the past five years.
Duncan Sutherland
Since an early age, Duncan has had a keen interest in all genres of music. He has been a supporter of various orchestras, including the Halle Orchestra Club, and was involved in planning the Halle’s move from the Free Trade Hall, Manchester.
Speaking of his appointment, he said: “I have been involved in Southbank Sinfonia for several years, in attending concerts, being a Trustee on the Board and latterly, it has been my pleasure to Chair the Southbank Sinfonia Foundation. I am passionate about Southbank Sinfonia, not only for the wonderful music but also for its values, work with the musicians, its educational objectives and its atmosphere that we are all one family - players, sponsors, management and the board.
I am therefore thrilled to be joint Chairman working alongside Peter’s experience, the team and board colleagues, in what are going to be challenging but also inspiring times.”
Find out more about our Board of Trustees here