Veteran broadcaster, writer and historian Jonathan Dimbleby is to become chair of the board of Bristol Beacon while the concert venue’s chief executive who oversaw its £132m, five-year transformation will leave her role.
Louise Mitchell CBE will step down in July, having been at the helm since the charity Bristol Music Trust was established by Bristol City Council in 2011 to run the venue, then known as Colston Hall.
Also leaving will be long-term chair of the board Simon Chapman, who supported Louise and the team throughout the often-controversial transformation.
Bristol Beacon reopened on November 30, when more than 20,000 visitors attended a weekend of music reflecting Bristol’s diversity.
Jonathan Dimbleby, pictured with Louise Mitchell and Simon Chapman, said: “As a citizen of Bristol, it is a great privilege to be asked to chair Bristol Music Trust.
“I am fortunate to inherit the role at a point where – thanks in large measure to the outstanding leadership of Simon and Louise – the Beacon can now become a great cultural hub in the heart of this great city.
“At the start of this new era, I hope that everyone in Bristol will come to regard the Beacon as their musical ‘home’, a place that is open to all and at the service of all.
“With a wonderful new concert hall and a range of facilities that rival any in Britain – or indeed Europe – our task is to ensure that we offer a feast of musical delights for all ages, all cultures, and all tastes. I want the new Beacon to shine a light across the city and far beyond.
“I know that it can and that it will – which is why I am honoured to play my part in helping to meet this challenge.”
Joining Jonathan as vice-chairs are Sandra Meadows, independent business and EDI consultant, facilitator, coach and Director of The Centre for Mentoring & Coaching and Sonia Mills, who spent her career in the NHS which included several CEO-level posts with NHS Oxfordshire, Swindon Marlborough NHS Trust and latterly CEO for North Bristol NHS Trust, responsible for the development of the new Southmead Hospital.
During her 13 years as chief executive, Louise Mitchell led Bristol Music Trust’s mission to put music at the heart of the city’s life by developing a diverse and inclusive music programme giving people from across Bristol the opportunity to experience, watch and participate in live music.
Louise said: “It’s been a highlight of my career leading and working with the team at Bristol Music Trust.
“We’ve been faced with some incredible hurdles and challenges along the way, but we have also grown an amazing organisation and created hugely impactful artistic, education and outreach programmes that are nationally recognised.
“We now start the next chapter of our building’s 155-year history with a glorious new building that ensures our position as one of the best and most accessible venues anywhere in Europe.”
Simon Chapman added: “We are so grateful to Louise for everything she has done over the past 12 years and will be extremely sad to see her go.
“The once-in-a-generation transformation has been more challenging than anyone could have anticipated at the beginning but has resulted in a world-class concert venue for the city, and Louise’s determination and vision have been crucial in ensuring its successful delivery.
“Sadly, my role as chair has come to an end too, but it’s been a journey that I will never forget and I’m proud to be part of such a forward-looking and brilliant organisation.
“I have no doubt that Jonathan will be a fantastic chair and will be able to bring fresh ideas and energy to the role. I wish him and the rest of the team all the best.”
Top picture @JonCraig_Photos
