William Norris (Image © Tracy Nolan)
WILLIAM NORRIS has been appointed CHAIR of nonclassical.
Leading our Board of Trustees and providing supervision to our Executive Team, William will ensure Nonclassical fulfils its mission to develop, produce and promote innovative music from diverse artists in the coming years as our Chair. He will be our ambassador as we enter our 20th anniversary in 2024 and beyond, helping us devise an innovative programme of work across our events, label and artist development programmes as we celebrate the many artists who form our history.
William is a consultant working for a wide range of music and arts organisations, with recent and current clients including Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, Sage Gateshead, the European Union Youth Orchestra, site specific theatre company Dante or Die and Dunedin Consort. He has also held leadership positions at Scottish Ensemble (Maternity Cover), Southbank Sinfonia and Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra, and prior to that led communications, marketing and creative programming at the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, where he developed the ensembles’ Night Shift series.
As Chair of Nonclassical, he will lead our talented Board of Trustees: John Richards, Brian Inglis, Clifton Harrison, Jessica Cottis, Yung-Yee Chen, Nick Rampley, Aileen Douthwaite, and Rune Bech.
On his appointment, William said:
“Surprise, adventure and risk. These are all things that attracted me to Nonclassical. They’re what a truly creative organisation should be about. Not about routine, not about safety, not about “we’ve always done it this way”. I’m really excited to take on this role, supporting the organisation and its fantastic team, helping them keep doing these things, and to continue to develop and nurture those who push the boundaries of music. I can’t wait to get started!”
Natalia Franklin Pierce, Executive Director of Nonclassical remarked:
“Dotted throughout William Norris’ career are visionary organisations seeking to bring classical music to wider, more diverse audiences through creative approaches to programming, partnerships, marketing and more. I’m delighted that William will succeed our excellent Chair of eight years - Michael Noonan - following his tenure since we gained charity status in 2015. As we mark our 20th anniversary next year and look beyond, we are grateful to have his creative flair, optimism and fresh-thinking after the many challenges facing the arts in recent years, to help steer the Board and staff into the next 20. Welcome to the team, William!”
Outgoing Chair, Michael Noonan, who has held the position since 2015, stated that:
“It is with great pleasure that the Board of Nonclassical invites William Norris to lead the Board of Trustees and work with our Director and staff to take the organisation forward.
William brings skills and enthusiasm to the organisation we welcome and admire.
The period ahead is likely to involve significant change for the organisation on many fronts as the sector adapts to the world post-pandemic and changing audiences. Leadership of a diverse, externally focused Board is a critical element necessary for a successful new music organisation. Our new Chair will help the Board and executive chart a way forward that focuses on helping composers and music creators innovate musically and reach out to inspire new audiences.
Nonclassical has helped many new composers create new work. We connect composers with audiences through live events and recordings that extend the life of performances. We will adapt and innovate inspired by the music itself.
I look forward to passing the baton to William.”
The entire Board and staff are very much looking forward to working with William from 6 September and beyond.