London Mozart Players |
In 2016, the players of London Mozart Players (LMP) took over running the orchestra thus making it the only professional orchestra in the UK to be managed both operationally and artistically by the players. The Executive Director for this new regime was the orchestra's co-principal cellist, Julia Desbruslais, and at the end of this year (2021) she is stepping down as Executive Director. It has been something of a rollercoaster ride, with the events of the last 18 months providing the unexpected challenges both in terms of performance and funding which have troubled all UK performing groups.
Resident at Fairfield Halls, the orchestra moved relocated its office from Fairfield Halls to the Church of St John the Evangelist, Upper Norwood, in advance of Fairfield Halls closure in 2016 for restoration. In Upper Norwood, the orchestra has embedded itself in the vibrant and diverse community around the church, putting on concerts in new and unusual venues around the borough, as well as returning to Fairfield Halls for performances as part of the re-opening celebrations. During lockdown the ensemble was an early adopter of digital performance, utilising both its home venue and other distinctive spaces. This year, the orchestra celebrated its 72nd birthday as a vibrant, innovative and community focused ensemble that continues to push boundaries and reinvent itself for the new musical landscape.
Julia comments, "The pandemic released this amazing creativity from within the LMP which has helped the orchestra to reinvent itself for the twenty-first century, kept it relevant and demonstrated how powerful we can be when we all work together. It has been wonderful to be part of such a giving team - from Management and Trustees to the LMP musicians - where there is so much mutual respect."
Full details of Autumn season plans from the orchestra's website.
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