Psappha welcomes new leadership team as it says farewell to Tim Williams

As Psappha celebrates its 30th birthday, its founder Tim Williams – who has served as its sole artistic director throughout that time – will be stepping down at the end of the season. Psappha’s pianist, Ben Powell, will take over as artistic director, supported by new managing director Sally Cook (previously of Manchester’s Band on the Wall) and a new administrator.

The ensemble’s focus under Ben will remain firmly on the music of the late 20th and early 21st centuries – and particularly on supporting, commissioning and performing music by some of the brightest and most exciting new composers from the UK and beyond.

‘I feel incredibly privileged to be taking on the role of artistic director, just as I did when I was appointed as pianist in 2014,’ says Ben. ‘The ensemble strives to provide the best possible platform for new pieces as well as challenging and infrequently heard works of the last century. Tim has worked tirelessly to create and sustain Psappha and has had the courage and foresight to allow the group to adapt to the ever-changing cultural climate. The concerts I have performed with Psappha have been the highlights of my musical life, and I am enormously excited about the creative possibilities that lie ahead.’

‘There’s no doubt that Tim is going to be sorely missed,’ says Sally, ‘but after 30 incredible years I’m sure he’s looking forward to new challenges ahead. Likewise, Ben and I are particularly excited to build on Tim’s success and legacy as we look to Psappha’s next phase. There will be some changes to come, but we are utterly committed to Psappha’s mission to support new music and emerging composers.