Southampton concert venue fills out senior leadership team

A 51-year-old concert hall based within a university campus has made two appointments to its senior leadership team.

Turner Sims, supported as part of the Arts Council England (ACE) National Portfolio, has welcomed POLLY ELDRIDGE as head of programming, following the departure of KEVIN APPLEBY last month.

MADDIE RISBRIDGER joins the organisation, the University of Southampton’s official music venue, as head of marketing and sales, with both women to be part of a senior management team led by director LOUISE COYSH.

Coysh said it was a “pleasure” to welcome the pair as Turner Sims, which opened in 1974, “enters its 51st year”, while Eldridge expressed her enthusiasm at joining a venue that has played host to “incredible musicians over the past half-century”.

“I’m passionate about creating meaningful artistic experiences, supporting artists’ ambitions, and amplifying new voices,” she said. “I look forward to bringing both established and emerging artists to the hall, building relationships within the local music scene, and exploring how music can engage with university research.”

Risbridger said she believed music would “lead the way in uniting and nourishing communities”, adding: “I can’t wait to bring heart, humour and a sprinkle of hands-on energy to ensure Turner Sims, and all our performances, are welcoming, accessible and delightfully memorable for all.”