News and Reviews

News: New Chairman of sinfonia ViVA appointed
Sept 23 2009

sinfonia ViVA, the national Orchestra based in the East Midlands has appointed a new Chairman.

John Rivers, the former Director of Human Resources for Rolls-Royce plc, has had a long association with the Derby-based Orchestra whose 15 year relationship with Rolls-Royce was officially recognised last year when it won the regional and national Arts & Business People Development awards.

Mr Rivers said: "ViVA has a national reputation for excellence both for the quality of its performances and the diversity of its community and education work and my colleagues at Rolls-Royce experienced first hand how music can nurture creativity and stronger working relationships."

"I am therefore delighted that my business association with the Orchestra has been followed by my appointment as Chair by my fellow Board members – a role that I relish."

Mr Rivers started his working life at GEC having graduated from Oxford University with a BA (Honours) in Modern History followed by three years' postgraduate research in White Collar Trade Unionism.

He joined Rolls-Royce in 1992 and retired as Director of Human Resource in September 2007. He is also Chairman of Derby Hospital Trust, the Prince's Trust Derbyshire Committee and Vice Chairman of the Arkwright Society.

Mr Rivers was awarded the CBE in 2001 for his contribution to the community and he lives in Cromford.

sinfonia ViVA Chief Executive Peter Helps added: "John has made a valuable contribution to the Board of the Orchestra for many years and we are all delighted that he will now be leading us forward in these challenging but exciting times."

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