The Morecambe-based charity More Music has appointed a new executive director to lead the organisation.
Marianne Barraclough will take up the role from the start of July, replacing Kathryn MacDonald who stepped down in March after 28 years.
Marianne will join the 31-year-old community music organisation after 18 years of leading the programme of creative projects at Sinfonia Viva - an orchestra and music education charity based in Derby, where she was deputy chief executive. She is already living in the local area after relocating to Cumbria in 2022.
Marianne said she will ensure More Music remains committed to championing the needs of children and young people, improving equity, diversity and inclusion and providing opportunities for the people of Morecambe and beyond to come together to experience and enjoy high-quality music, arts and cultural events.
“I am absolutely delighted to be joining the fantastic team at More Music at such an exciting time for the organisation," said Marianne.
"I enjoyed attending the heart-warming 30th anniversary celebration event last autumn and feel hugely excited about their creative programmes, and their genuine desire to make music- making more inclusive.
"I’ve been extremely fortunate to have led the programme of creative projects at Sinfonia Viva for 18 years, designing and delivering exciting creative music projects with brilliant artists and in partnership with venues, music hubs and local authorities across the country. I have absolutely loved working with the orchestra and I’m very much looking forward to getting started at More Music.”
Lauren Zawadzki, chair of More Music's trustees, said: "We are absolutely delighted to welcome Marianne to the organisation.
"This is a huge moment in the 30-year history of More Music and while it is with great sadness we see Kathryn MacDonald our current executive director leave the organisation after 30 years, we are delighted to welcome Marianne with open arms.
"Marianne demonstrated her excellent knowledge of More Music and expansive expertise in our sector through a rigorous recruitment process, led by both the trustees and the staff team. We are excited to see this new chapter unfold and provide Marianne with our support and guidance to ensure she has the best possible start with More Music.”
More Music is based at the Hothouse on Devonshire Road in Morecambe. The organisation delivers workshops, training, performances and festivals across the district, region and beyond.
Recently it was announced that More Music will not be holding its annual Catch the Wind kite festival in 2024.
The organisation also runs the Winter Lantern festival and hosts regular live music gigs at its base on Devonshire Road in the West End.
Residents, businesses and organisations are being urged to get involved and help Lancaster City Council decide its budget priorities the coming financial year.
An intrepid team of trekkers have set off on a journey across the Himalayas to one of the Seven Wonders of the World to raise money for a Lancaster hospice.