The World Federation of International Music Competitions (WFIMC) has revealed details of its new operational and governance model during the organisation’s 59th General Assembly, held in Bolzano, Italy by the organisers of the Ferruccio Busoni International Piano Competition.
The reshuffle includes the installation of a new leadership team and board comprising seven members. It will be led by a new president, Geneva International Music Competition’s Didier Schnorhk, who succeeds Glen Kwok (International Violin Competition of Indianapolis) following six years in the post.
The new WFIMC board-led governance model replaces the former two-tiered structure that comprised a bureau and a committee. It has been designed over the course of a lengthy internal consultation process, aiming to provide the organisation with an opportunity to streamline its operational capabilities and more effectively address the challenges of the modern international competition sector.
Other newly-elected members of the WFIMC board are vice president Marja-Leena Pétas-Arjava (Helsinki); treasurer Jacques Marquis (Fort Worth); Karendra Devroop (Pretoria); Rob Hilberink (Utrecht); Peter Paul Kainrath (Bolzano); and Stephen McHolm (Calgary). Collectively, the new board is responsible for managing and controlling all the affairs of WFIMC.
Executive secretary Lottie Chalut left the organisation at the end of last month, following 30 years of service. The other key change for 2015 will see Benjamin Woodroffe (Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition) fill the post of CEO – incorporating the duties of WFIMC secretary general – when he takes office in Geneva from 14 September.
Outgoing president Glen Kwok, who headed up the search committee during the organisational consultation process, said: ‘Mr Woodroffe’s exceptional background specifically in running music competitions, knowledge of fundraising and leadership experience made him a perfect match for the needs of WFIMC.’’
Schnorhk praised the ‘remarkable work accomplished over many years by Kwok, whose energy and commitment made everything possible’. He added that WFIMC ‘can now play a leading role in the international musical world.’
Founded in 1957, WFIMC offers support to the world’s leading international music competitions, representing more than 100 competitions on six continents. Disciplines include strings, piano, voice, wind, percussion, composition, conducting, chamber music and jazz.