Following her success as artistic planning manager for the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Samantha McShane (pictured) has been appointed head of creative programming at chamber orchestra, Manchester Camerata, which performs to 70,000 people each year. In addition to her work with RSNO, McShane founded, managed and performed with the brass ensemble Pure Brass.
DaDaFest has appointed Ann Wade to the newly created position of executive director, whilst current CEO Ruth Gold will take up the role of artistic director. The Liverpool-based organisation promotes disabled and deaf arts, and provides artistic training for young disabled people. Wade, who has over 20 years of project management experience, will co-manage the organisation with Gold. Wade said: ‘I am looking forward to working with Ruth, the board and the staff on strengthening DaDaFest’s partnerships, from those with local businesses to other leading organisations in disability and deaf arts internationally.’ DaDaFest’s 2014 festival will showcase the talents of deaf and disabled artists across a range of disciplines.
Simon Presswell has been appointed as the managing director of Ticketmaster’s UK business operations, a leading provider of tickets for the leisure and entertainment sector. Mark Yovich, president of Ticketmaster International, said ‘Simon’s appointment underlines our commitment to delivering improved experiences for fans in the ever changing live entertainment ticketing landscape, and his breadth of experience will ensure we continue to deliver our strategy which puts fans first.’ Ticketmaster employs over 500 people in the UK.
Kenneth Woods has been promoted to the position of principal conductor at the English Symphony Orchestra. Woods was named artistic director of the ESO’s Malvern-based subscription series in 2012. The orchestra’s CEO, Peter Sheeran, said: ‘We started exploring possibilities with Ken towards the end of last year, asking him to curate the Malvern concert series during 2013, at the end of which we planned to take stock. In the event, his involvement with the different elements that make up the ESO has been a shot in the arm for us and we see every reason to bring forward his appointment. We are announcing our new season next month and want to have Ken at the forefront of it.’ The American maestro is also principal guest conductor of the Orchestra of the Swan.