Vice-Chancellor appointed Chairman of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic



VC Chair of Phil

LJMU Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, Professor Nigel Weatherill, has been appointed Chairman of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic.

The announcement of Professor Weatherill’s appointment as Chair for an initial three-year term has been made following approval of the recommendation by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Board of Directors.

Professor Weatherill takes the chair from Lorraine Rogers, Director, Royal & Diplomatic Affairs for Jaguar Land Rover, who stepped down at the AGM after nine years’ service to the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, from 2007-2015.

Professor Weatherill commented: “I am delighted to be invited to be Chairman of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic during the 175th year of its founding. It is a very exciting time to be joining the organisation, which has achieved so much under Lorraine’s stewardship as Chairman, not least, international acclaim for the Orchestra’s music-making under the baton of Vasily Petrenko, the continuing development of an extensive learning programme and the recent completion of the major refurbishment of Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.

“I look forward to playing my part in working with the Board, Chief Executive and wider team in maintaining and continuing to grow our current successes as one of the leading orchestras and music organisations in the country.”

Lord Derby, President of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, said: “I offer my thanks and appreciation to Lorraine for her commitment and diligence in leading the governance of our organisation during her nine years as Chairman.  In welcoming Nigel as Chairman, we will benefit from the same high level of expertise, guidance and support that we have enjoyed during Lorraine’s tenure, and with his appointment, we will embrace the opportunity to learn more widely from across the Higher Education sector.”

Lorraine Rogers, Director, Royal & Diplomatic Affairs for Jaguar Land Rover and former Chairman of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, added: “I have enjoyed immensely being part of the Liverpool Philharmonic team and being able to make a contribution to an organisation that holds a unique place in Liverpool’s heart and contributes so much to its musical and cultural life.

“Nigel’s tremendous career track record speaks for itself and his appointment is great news for the organisation. He joins a strong and committed Board and a dynamic and talented community of musicians, senior management and staff.  I wish Nigel and the entire team the very best for many more years of continued success.”

LJMU is Principal Partner of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, with a relationship which stretches back many years. All LJMU students are entitled to free and discounted tickets at the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, giving them the opportunity to experience live classical music performed by some of the world’s leading musicians.




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