News

Gabrieli is delighted to announce that Sir Richard Mantle OBE DL has joined the board to support the next, pivotal steps in the organisation’s growth.

Sir Richard is a hugely respected leader in the British arts and music industry. He brings a depth of expertise and experience which will be invaluable as Gabrieli develops its acclaimed youth programme – Gabrieli Roar – as one of the UK’s most important educational initiatives.

Gabrieli Roar connects a network of diverse youth choirs with one of the UK’s leading professional ensembles and is described as “completely transformational” by those involved.

Our vocal training programme works in partnership with schools, youth choirs, church and cathedral choirs, music education hubs and school academy trusts.  It helps young people from many backgrounds to develop a love of choral music and the broader world of culture, whilst fostering the next generation of classical music lovers, concert-goers and musicians.

Sir Richard began his career as an HR professional before enjoying a prominent career in opera and music management. He has an outstanding track record of success in leadership roles, in particular as the General Director and CEO of Opera North for thirty years. Sir Richard said  “I am delighted to be joining Gabrieli. I have dedicated my career to great art and making art accessible. Gabrieli Roar is both those things. I am looking forward to working with founder and world-renowned conductor, Paul McCreesh, to help take Gabrieli Roar to the next level.”

Paul McCreesh said “We are all excited to welcome Sir Richard to the board. Gabrieli Roar is growing very quickly into a nationwide project, which is both exciting and daunting at the same time. Sir Richard’s wealth of experience in just about every corner of the arts world will be invaluable to us”.

Gabrieli Roar’s next large-scale project will feature 250 young singers in a large-scale performance of Verdi’s Requiem in Ely Cathedral this summer. Later this year Gabrieli will tour 11 cathedrals all around the UK engaging over 5000 young singers in programme entitled “Christmas Reflections”.