Suzanne Rolt, chief executive of historic Bristol music venue St George’s, has been named Concert Hall Manager of the Year at the annual ABO Classical Music Awards.
The accolade follows the success of the iconic Great George Street venue’s £6.3m ‘Building A Sound Future’ project last year, which has dramatically enhanced the experience for visitors by adding a showpiece extension with a café/bar, performance spaces and meeting rooms. 
The main building, built in 1824 in in the neo-Classical style and which houses the concert hall, has also been restored.
Judges were impressed by Suzanne’s leadership during the project, stating: “The experience for everyone who visits St George’s has been dramatically enhanced – from restoration work, the development of multi-purpose spaces and backstage facilities, to display areas and even more desirable catering.”
Award organisers also acknowledged the role Suzanne, pictured, has playedin making St George’s a special place in the affections of performers, recording producers and public alike.
Suzanne’s nominator described her as ‘an outstanding creative and entrepreneurial leader’.
Suzanne joined St George’s in 1992 and has headed the team since 2006.
She said: said: “Not everyone is fortunate enough to do a job they love but I’ve never felt anything less than utterly passionate about St George’s.
“It’s a great privilege to steer the course of one of the country’s most beautiful halls and to create new ways to play an ever-greater role in supporting and inspiring the lives of musicians and audiences.
“News of the award came as a complete surprise and I’ve been thrilled but overwhelmed too to receive the extraordinary and generous messages of support from so many friends and colleagues.
“It comes at the perfect moment as it puts a national spotlight on the wonderful new development at St George’s and it provides just the excuse we needed for another celebration with the brilliant team who all make St George’s such a special place.”
The awards, which honour excellence in the fields of orchestral, concert hall and artist management, were presented at the ABO conference dinner held at Titanic Belfast and hosted by Classic FM presenter Jane Jones.
