Sound and Music Chief Executive to step down

Chief Executive of Sound and Music, SUSANNA EASTBURN MBE, is planning to step down next May.

Since taking on the role in 2012, Eastburn has helped establish Sound and Music’s reputation as a national organisation for new music.

During her tenure, Eastburn developed steering programmes Minute of Listening and New Voices, as well as its annual Summer School, and saw Sound and Music become one of the first organisations to commit to gender equality and data transparency.

She also led the organisation's response to the pandemic which saw it adopt support measures for composers of all ages. 

Eastburn has been awarded an MBE for services to music, the Leslie Boosey Award from the Royal Philharmonic Society for services to contemporary music and a Gold Badge from the Ivors Academy for her services to composers.

She calls it a privilege to have led Sound and Music over the past decade: "New music, and the people who create it, are essential to contemporary cultural life. I have tried my hardest to champion this, and to ensure that more composers have the chance to thrive, whether they are seasoned professionals or still at school.   

"Now, after 10 immensely fulfilling years, it is time for me to move on to other things and make space for somebody else to lead Sound and Music’s next chapter. Whoever comes in will find a resourceful, creative and caring organisation with an incredible team, delivering vital work of inestimable value to thousands of people around the country."