News and Reviews

News: ViVA appoints new Head of Development
23 July 2007

East Midlands orchestra sinfonia ViVA has appointed Jon Ashford-Smith as Head of Development to drive forward the Orchestra's future plans. Jon joins ViVA from Derby Playhouse's development department and previously homelessness charity Derbyshire Housing Aid.

ViVA Chief Executive Peter Helps explained: "We are delighted that Jon has joined the organisation. His experience of raising funds from the public sector, businesses, charitable trusts and foundations will be a great asset. This is an exciting time for the Orchestra with an ever expanding performance schedule and an innovative new artistic focus in the pipeline with a new Principal Conductor due to be announced in the Autumn."

"There are however some complex funding issues facing us in light of the Government's current Comprehensive Spending Review, due out in the autumn, which may affect the Arts Council's budgets in the future."

"It is therefore vital that we cement the Orchestra's financial self sufficiency to enable us to drive forward our artistic plans both on the concert stage and in the community and education arena to ensure that we continue to be a major player in the region's cultural offering."

"Jon's experience makes him a valuable addition to the management team here at ViVA and we look forward to his contribution to the future development of the Orchestra."

Jon Ashford-Smith added: "sinfonia ViVA has an excellent reputation in the orchestral world, and is also renowned for its innovative approach to education, community and partnership work. I am delighted to be joining the organisation at such an exciting time in its development."

Media enquiries: Sarah Jenkin-Jones, JJPR, Tel: 01332 515102/07951 945 665 or email sarah@jjpublicrelations.co.uk