Professor Phil Wood outside the National Centre for Early Music
PROFESSOR Phil Wood is the new chair of the National Centre for Early Music’s charitable arm, the York Early Music Foundation.
Phil worked for the National Health Service for more than 30 years as a doctor, consultant and medical leader in Newcastle, Birmingham and Leeds, most recently as chief executive of Leeds Teaching Hospitals and chair of the Leeds Academic Health Partnership.
He is a member of the international advisory board of the Business School at the University of Leeds, where he holds an honorary professorship, and a longstanding York resident with a passionate belief in the contribution of the arts and culture in enhancing societal wellbeing.
The NCEM, in the renovated church of St Margaret’s, Walmgate, stages a year-round programme of concerts and educational opportunities in York, three festivals of early music annually in Yorkshire (two in York, one in Beverley) and a nationwide artists’ development programme.
Representing UK’s early music scene on the European stage, the NCEM is a core member of the European Early Music Network, REMA, with established partnerships in Flanders, Spain and France.
Highlights of the calendar include the biennial York Early Music International Young Artists Competition and the annual NCEM Composers Award, run in association with BBC Radio 3.
NCEM director Dr Delma Tomlin says: “We feel very honoured to have Phil as our new chair as we begin an important year at the National Centre for Early Music, when we’ll be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the creation of the York Early Music Festival.
“Phil brings with him a wealth of skills and experience and a great passion for our work promoting early music to the widest possible audiences and nurturing the development of emerging talent.”
Professor Wood says: “I’m thrilled to take on the role of chair at the National Centre for Early Music at this exciting time. This award-wining organisation is world renowned as a centre of excellence and innovation, celebrating not just early music but many different genres and with a broad commitment to community engagement and widening participation.
“I look forward to working with them as chair and of course enjoying some wonderful music with our audiences.”