Southwell Music Festival appoints cathedral fundraising officer as new manager

Southwell Music Festival has appointed Peterborough Cathedral fundraising officer PETER SIEPMANN as general manager, as the festival enters its 12th year.

Siepmann has almost 20 years’ experience in music education at both Uppingham and Repton School, where he was head of academic music.

As a performing musician, he also serves as director of music at Nottingham Cathedral and conductor of the Nottingham Bach Choir.

Siepmann said he was “excited” to be joining the Nottingham-based music festival led by international baritone MARCUS FARNSWORTH since it is “so uniquely embedded in its local community, where the warmth, joy and spirit in which music-making happens are as important as the world-class quality of the resulting performances”.

“I am very much looking forward to working with Marcus Farnsworth and the whole team of hugely committed and hard-working volunteers, as together we shape the next chapter of this wonderful festival,” he added.

Southwell Music Festival has also announced the appointment of three new patrons, including Mayor of the East Midlands CLAIRE WARD.

Also joining the board are writer, public speaker and lecturer KADIATU KANNEH-MASON and Wigmore Hall artistic and executive director JOHN GILHOOLY.

Gilhooly said: “It’s a great honour to become a patron of such a forward-looking and innovative festival which continues to have both local and national impact.

“I wish it every success and look forward to many visits.”