Latest news with #RoyalPhilharmonicSociety
ABC News
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- ABC News
ABC welcomes Philip Noyce as Head of ABC Classic and ABC Jazz
The ABC is delighted to announce that Philip Noyce will join the organisation as the new Head of ABC Classic and ABC Jazz. Philip is one of the most accomplished classical music executives in the industry, with over 15 years' experience across the classical and jazz sectors. He joins the ABC from Classic FM - the UK's most popular classical music station, where he served as Managing Editor and helped shape a service that reaches over 4.7 million listeners each week. Philip's career has also seen him serve as a judge for the Royal Philharmonic Society Awards and the Royal Television Society Awards. He is a talented cellist and the author of a series of acclaimed classical music guides for children. 'It's a fantastic moment to be joining the ABC,' Philip said. 'Especially as it invests in two of its iconic music networks: Classic and Jazz. The opportunity to lead these stations was irresistible, and it's a real honour to step into this role—shaping programming that's distinctive, engaging, and truly audience-focused. 'With ABC Classic set to mark its 50th anniversary next year, there's an incredible legacy to celebrate—and exciting new chapters still to be written. I'm thrilled to now be part of that journey. 'I'm also looking forward to forging new creative partnerships in Australia and championing everything that makes their classical and jazz scenes so vibrant. I can't wait to get started.' Philip joins a strengthened leadership team for the brands alongside recently appointed Content Director Sascha Kelly, whose career spans includes senior roles with Musica Viva. Sascha brings a deep knowledge of Australia's classical music scene and has already introduced a renewed focus on editorial craft across programming and presentation. Together, Philip and Sascha bring complementary strengths that will shape a new chapter for ABC Classic and ABC Jazz. With ABC Classic turning 50 in 2026, this is a unique opportunity to celebrate its legacy and deepen its relevance and impact for Australian audiences. ABC Director of Audio, Ben Latimer, said: 'Philip brings not only a deep understanding of the audience and the artform, but a strong creative energy that will help lead ABC Classic and ABC Jazz into their next chapter. 'With ABC Classic's 50th anniversary on the horizon, we have a rare opportunity to honour its legacy while setting a renewed creative agenda. I'm thrilled to welcome Philip to the ABC and alongside Sascha and our broader leadership team, I'm confident we're building the right foundation to take ABC Classic and Jazz into an exciting future.' Philip will join the ABC in the coming months and will be part of the ABC Audio leadership team, reporting to the Director Audio. Media Contact Laura Todd, ABC Communications
BBC News
31-01-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Belfast choir brings together disabled and non-disabled singers
A Belfast based choir which includes disabled and non-disabled people has been nominated for a prestigious award. It is one of only four in the UK shortlisted for the Inspiration Award at the Royal Philharmonic Society (RPS) McGeown, a wheelchair user and the musical director of the Open Arts Community Choir, said being part of the choir was the best "feelgood factor that you'll ever get".The winner of the award will be decided by a public vote held before Monday 3 February. Mental health Beverley said the choir is a great way of bringing people together. "It's a social thing, it's a gathering, it's a really good place for increasing your mental health," she said."We come from all walks of life, people with disabilities and those without."We've people from all sides of the community as well and from all parts of Northern Ireland."BBC News NI joined the choir at rehearsals, which take place every choir sings songs from a variety of genres including classical, folk music, show songs and pop the community created by the choir is as important as the is hoping the public will support the choir in the RPS awards."We're the only act from Northern Ireland to have been shortlisted, so we're just absolutely bowled over and really excited," she said."We're really hoping that everyone from Northern Ireland gets behind us and votes for us." Breege Corr, who also uses a wheelchair, has been in the choir for 25 years."We've done lots of things," she said."We've travelled to America, Wales, Riga - you name it, we've been there."Music has always been a big part of my life ever since I was very young, it's been really a joyful experience, meeting new friends."Breege said the sense of community the choir brought was "integral"."It doesn't matter what your background is, we're all in it together," she said."The one thing we have in common is a love of music and a love of singing and we love performing."No matter what anyone is going through or the difficulties we face we always find a way to stay together and keep together and keep singing." Gareth Smyth and his guide dog, Alice, are also members of the choir."We all support and encourage one another, and we all blend in very well with harmony and we listen in to each other," said Gareth, who is one of several visually impaired members. Gareth said some of the music could be "very challenging" to perform but he thought it was a "good idea to rise to the challenge". "I think the most important thing is we all get along," he you want to hear the Open Arts Community Choir, they will be performing at the Belfast cultural hub at 2 Royal Avenue on Saturday 1 February from 13:30 to 14:30 GMT.
