Saturday, April 11, 2015

Culture gaps

Less than two weeks to go to the publication of this year's BBC Proms line-up - and there's still no sign of a new Director.  Roger Wright announced his intention to move on from the job (and from Radio 3) in March last year (spookily the day before Bob Shennan was announced as the BBC's first Director of Music).

The recruitment process is being run by Odgers Berndtson. They helped find Alan Davey, of the Arts Council England, for the Radio 3 bit of Roger's job.  They are also helping the BBC and The Arts Council England to find a new Director for digital-something-or-other The Space, as Ruth MacKenzie leaves this month. This vacancy is hardly a shock either - Ruth was appointed to her next berth, running the Holland Festival, way back in 2013.

The Space has also just lost indie tv guru Alex Graham as chairman, and Alan Yentob from its board of directors (he's been replaced by BBC tv executive and cafe-owner Lisa Opie).

[En passant, we note that The Space and the BBC are funding a digital artist-in-residence for Radio 2, welcomed yesterday by a rather machine-driven quote from Bob Shennan. “As the UK’s most popular radio station with 15.3 million listeners, there’s an opportunity for Radio 2 to play its part in Tony Hall’s vision to make the arts accessible to everyone. I’m delighted to announce this exciting raft of new initiatives which enhance and complement our already distinctive programming schedule.”]

Meanwhile, back at the Proms, let's hope acting Director, Edward Blakeman, gets the appropriate limelight for this year's season.  It's another big night for him tonight - the first concert in this year's Wendover Music series, at St Mary's Church, featuring the cello of Natalie Clein and the violin of Antony Marwood. Tickets just £15, and under 18s £1.






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