About ViVA

Peter Helps
Chief Executive

Peter trained in hotel management and worked in hotels in Geneva, Toronto, Bournemouth and Brighton (narrowly missed being bombed there) before running off to join the 'circus' in 1985, when he managed theatres for English National Opera and Scottish Opera. Peter joined ViVA in 1995 and has overseen a major period of development and change for the Orchestra, establishing its reputation nationally for an integrated approach to community and outreach musical events as well as achieving the highest standards in concert giving.

He has been invited to sit on many Arts working groups in Derby where he is currently Chairman of the City's Arts Forum, member of Derby's Cultural City Executive (part of the City's Local Strategic Partnership), a member of the City wide programmers group and sits on Derby's Performing Spaces Committee.

Peter is a founding Director of Cultivate, East Midlands' audience and organisational development agency. He is also a member of the A&B/NCA Culture Form. He is currently participating in Capitalise, a cultural leaders programme run in the East Midlands.

Peter is Chairman of the Association of British Orchestras' Chamber Orchestras Managers' Group. In 2010 he led a successful bid with Derby LIVE and Marketing Derby to host the 2011 ABO conference in Derby.

Peter's interests in the arts are wide ranging including music, opera and theatre. Peter is an avid skier and tries to get as much time on the piste as his employer will allow!

Contact Peter

01332 207572