The Trustees of IT&T are very pleased to announce to announce the appointment of Sir Jonathan Phillips, currently Warden of Keble College, as the ensemble’s next Chair in succession to Dr Geoffrey Thomas. Sir Jonathan had a long career in Whitehall, latterly as Permanent Secretary to the Northern Ireland Office, before taking up his Oxford role in 2010. He is also currently Chair of Esmée Fairbairn Foundation. He has been involved in supporting and developing several aspects of musical performance in the University and more widely over the past decade.

Sir Jonathan writes:

When I last heard IT&T in live performance, at the end of February playing Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas in a concert which was part of Keble’s Early Music Festival, I was unsure whether the Trustees would invite me to undertake this role. I’m thrilled that they have now asked me to take over from Dr Geoffrey Thomas. The orchestra’s first Chair, Professor Angus Hawkins, was a good and greatly admired friend. It is a privilege to take on the responsibility which he and, more recently, Geoffrey have carried with such obvious success.

From my perspective it’s an exciting time to become involved with IT&T as it now plans for a world in which the constraints and inhibitions associated with the pandemic diminish. The programming for the year ahead, yet to be fully revealed, promises to provide a range of opportunities for the ensemble’s many admirers to be reminded of how just how fortunate we are to have this still young organisation in our midst. The same sentiment applies to its significant education work in supporting young musicians and improving access to early music performance.

I look forward very much to getting to know the musicians, supporters and Friends of the orchestra in person in the months ahead. And, of course, to sharing the experience of hearing some wonderful concerts.

Sir Jonathan takes over the reins from Geoffrey Thomas, who stepped in as interim Chair following the untimely death of Professor Angus Hawkins in December 2020. Geoffrey has been instrumental in leading the organisation through one of the most difficult years ever to face the music industry with tremendous enthusiasm and commitment - not only putting in countless hours behind the scenes, but also being a very visible face of IT&T at our events. It is a testament to his dedication and hard work that IT&T finds itself in such a strong position as we emerge from the pandemic, and all of us are immensely grateful.