Morecambe music charity appoints new executive director

Monday, 8 April 2024 16:00

By Greg Lambert @greglam72

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’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.”

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.

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