The BBC Concert Orchestra has appointed Matthew Swann as the new Director. 

Swann will begin in his new position on March 27   and will bring his 20 years of experience in leadership roles across orchestral music.

In a statement, Swann said, “I am thrilled to be joining the BBC Concert Orchestra at such an exciting time, with the recent success with BBC Radio 2’s Piano Room, their continued partnerships with Nottingham’s universities and Orchestras Live in Great Yarmouth, and the upcoming launch of Friday Night is Music Night on BBC Radio 3. Having experienced the orchestra live in London, Nottingham and on BBC Radio 3, I am blown away by the kaleidoscopic brilliance they bring to the range of music they perform.”

Simon Webb, Head of Orchestras and Choirs, added, “I am delighted to be welcoming Matthew to the BBC Orchestras and Choirs team. Matthew’s record of both delivering high quality orchestral programmes and being committed to music outreach and education make him a perfect fit for the BBC Concert Orchestra, especially at this time when the orchestra is thriving. We are looking forward to what’s to come!”

Swann has served as Chief Executive of the City of London Sinfonia from 2012 until 202 and he co-founded Your Turn Collective, empowering music creators from underrepresented backgrounds to create new work, reimagine historical repertoire, and build community programs on their terms.

He has also led projects bringing younger, more diverse trustees into the cultural sector with RIAC (Responsible Influence in Arts and Culture).