ABO introduces Find Your Way

Catherine Arlidge at a CBSO Family Concert

With the decline in public investment in arts organisations, and the perception that the audience for classical music is ageing, there is a great need for the development of a new generation of leaders. In response to these challenges the Association of British Orchestras (ABO) has introduced Find Your Way, a new development programme which offers tailored coaching and mentoring programmes to four aspiring leaders. The programme was developed following sessions at the ABO's conference at Gateshead in January 2015 when leadership and succession planning were discussed.

The first four participants on the programme are Flo Ambrose (performance and programming manager, Royal College of Music), Catherine Arlidge (violin, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra), Tim Davy (tours & projects manager, London Symphony Orchestra), and Sue Voysey (artistic planning manager, Hallé Concerts Society). Participants will work with Richard Wigley, arts consultant and former general manager of the BBC Philharmonic, on Individual Development Plans, have one-to-one mentoring at CEO-level, be offered shadowing opportunities at their host organization, participate in a Fresh Thinking session at the ABO Conference and mentor prospective future participants.