ONE of Oxford’s most prestigious musical ensembles has hired a new manager to help raise its profile and grow.
Baroque virtuosos Oxford Bach Soloists – which was set up to perform, in sequence, the complete canon of J. S. Bach’s vocal works in Oxford over 12 years – have hired Flynn Le Brocq as their new general manager.
Flynn has extensive experience across a variety of sectors including education, orchestral and events management and was most recently fundraising manager at the David Ross Education Trust.
Alongside his new role at OBS, he will continue his roles as General Manager of Southwell Music Festival in Nottinghamshire and Company Manager at Nevill Holt Opera in Leicestershire.
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Working in close collaboration with Tom Hammond-Davies, founder and artistic director, he will provide Oxford Bach Soloists with “sustainable, significant operational direction”.
Founded by Tom in 2015, the baroque ensemble prides itself on developing the next generation of musicians and singers.
It describes it self as “distinctive and pioneering”, saying: “While there have been many recordings and performances of the complete vocal works of J. S. Bach, no ensemble has ever mounted a cycle of performances in chronological order, programmed in real-time, and in the context for which they were conceived. OBS has set out to perform Bach’s works as he himself would have realised them with performers, instruments, and venues that echo the university and churches of Bach’s hometown of Leipzig.”
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Highlights of its calendar in normal times include performances at New College, Oxford on Christmas Eve and Good Friday.
As general manager, Flynn will be responsible for establishing new relationships with donors, festivals, and venues, pursuing recording and touring opportunities and overseeing all operations for the ensemble.
The ensemble say he will also be heavily involved in all areas of the charity’s work including finance and company management, domestic and international touring (sales, logistics and delivery), recordings, strategic development, education and fundraising.
Flynn is taking over the role from Joe Littlewood, who left in October to pursue a full-time role with the Civil Service.
Flynn said: “I am thrilled to be joining OBS at such an exciting time.
“While there are significant challenges ahead, particularly given the current global situation, I believe OBS are at a momentous point in their career to build upon their achievements and move forward stronger than ever.
“As a long-time admirer of Bach’s cantatas, it’s wonderful to join such an ambitious project to bring his music to a wider audience.”
Miles Young, Chair of the Oxford Bach Soloists said: “We are all delighted to be joined by someone of Flynn’s experience and skills.
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“He is a perfect fit for us.
“We are excited for him to build upon Joe Littlewood’s successes and lead us into the future.
“His appointment speaks to our ambitious plans for emerging from the pandemic, continuing our unique mission, growing new audiences and extending our activities both on and offline.”
l While live performances are currently forbidden, keep an eye on oxfordbachsoloists.com for future dates.
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