Music Moves: John Savournin to Waterperry, Seb Lovell-Huckle to Birmingham

John Savournin

The intriguing game of musical dominos in arts administration continues. Earlier this year it was announced the Guy Verrall-Withers, co-founder and artistic director of Waterperry Opera Festival, was becoming director of audiences & impact at The Grange Festival. Guy takes up the post full-time in September.

It has now been announced that John Savournin will be taking up the role of CEO and artistic director of Waterperry Opera Festival from September, joining the festival’s co-founders Rebecca Meltzer and Bertie Baigent. John is currently CEO and Artistic Director of Charles Court Opera but also known as a distinguished and versatile bass-baritone. As a director, he has been flexing his muscles, presenting productions on a larger scale than Charles Court Opera with their collaboration with Opera Holland Park, as well as his work elsewhere with the National Gilbert & Sullivan Company plus the recent production of Lehar’s The Merry Widow for Scottish Opera and Opera Holland Park [see my review].

From 8 to 17 August, Waterperry Opera Festival present Don Giovanni, Semele, Winnie-the-Pooh Songbook, A World Turned Upside Down, Last Night at the Opera,  with further performances of Semele at Opera Holland Park. Further details.

Seb Lovell-Huckle (Photo: Alex Walker)

And in Birmingham, the late Graham Vick’s company, Birmingham Opera Company has announced that Seb Lovell-Huckle is joining the company as General Manager. 

As General Manager, Seb will oversee the day-to-day running of the company, working closely with the General Director, Creative Producer, Music Director and Board to deliver the next generation of internationally ground-breaking productions, support emerging talent through initiatives like Brum Commissions and Sandwell Creates and deepen the Company’s relationships with the peoples of Birmingham and the West Midlands.

Seb previously served as Chief Executive of the English Symphony Orchestra, Executive Director of Birmingham Contemporary Music Group and has held roles at the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and City of London Sinfonia. 

He is a passionate advocate for initiatives that combine artistic excellence with social engagement, playing cello in and organising community orchestras in his spare time.

The company’s plans include a new version of Judith Weir, Maya Angelou, Clarissa Pinkola-Estes and Toni Morrison’s woman.life.song originally commissioned in the 1990s by Jessye Norman. More information from Birmingham Opera Company website.