I joined the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra as Managing Director on 23 September 2024, and, one month in, I am taking a moment to reflect on what I have discovered about this amazing organisation. My initial observation is, simply, WOW! The RPO does a lot and wants to do a lot, it is nimble, flexible and keen to make anything work and aims for excellence in everything it does. A can-do and will-do attitude runs throughout the organisation, which is essential in the current challenging cultural and financial context.

It has been a whirlwind start to the role and I am getting to know the Orchestra and team through the wide variety of performances and activities it undertakes. I spent my second day in post at a concert at Windsor Castle which was part of the Windsor Festival. This was followed by concerts at the Royal Albert Hall and Cadogan Hall, at both of which we warmly welcomed supporters and donors who really believe in the RPO as a charity and the work that we do. Week one ended with watching the RPO perform alongside the Saudi National Orchestra at Westminster Central Hall as part of a Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Music Commission project.

Yunchan Lim at the Megaron in Athens

Since starting I have travelled with the Orchestra on their Eastern European tour, which included stunning concerts with Music Director Vasily Petrenko in Wrocław, Budapest, Belgrade and Athens. Seeing the logistics behind the operation was remarkable. Moving 94 players and their instruments from place to place with concerts on consecutive days was impressive and eye-opening!

Enjoying a meal after the concert in Athens with members of the Concerts team

I have also had the opportunity to attend a recording session at Angel Studios and visit the Greenford warehouse where our trucks, library and instruments live. However, despite my best efforts, there are still parts of the operation that I have not yet seen in person. From what I have read and heard about, I have no doubt how valuable and impressive they are. The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra have presented film concerts at the Royal Albert Hall including Top Gun: Maverick, at which Tom Cruise was present. The Resound team that works in community and education settings does a huge range of activities: from sessions with prisoners in Hull to training young people at the Brent Music Academy. They also have attended schools in Wandsworth and ran music-making activities with 16 players for thousands of young people at Thorpe Park. I understand that rollercoasters were involved!

At the warehouse in Greenford

Through spending as much time as possible in all parts of the business it is clear that the approximately 40 members of the team that support the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra undertake all its activities, do so with an unparalleled passion and commitment. Our musicians, audiences, supporters, participants, board and staff have an overarching determination to encourage more people to join the journey as we deliver excellent orchestral experiences for everyone. It is a privilege to be part of such a special group.