Music: Education expert aims to broaden Phil’s appeal

Jan 15 2008 by Philip Key, Liverpool Daily Post

FRESH from its success in Liverpool: The Musical, at the Liverpool Echo Arena event where many considered the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic to be the stars of the show, the Phil yesterday announced a new appointment that seems likely to build on the success of its growing popular appeal.

Peter Garden, a specialist in children’s cultural education, has been appointed executive director (Learning and Education) with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic. It is a new post in which Garden will lead the Phil’s community and education work.

Michael Elliott, chief executive of the Royal Liverpool Phil, said that it had since its inception in 1840 intended that education and participation were at the heart of its work.

He said: “It was one of the first orchestras in the country to form an education department and continues to be one of the most active providers of music education in the UK.”

He said Garden’s specialist experience and knowledge of combining agendas for the arts, regeneration and community would be of great benefit in championing their status as a leader of music and social engagement.

“He will ensure our education work has the strategic profile it deserves.”

Garden, previously a freelance musician, was regional advisor on culture, children and young people with the Museums, Libraries and Archives North West and the Arts Council England.

He had also been head of programmes for a national children’s charity and a project manager for Rockschool Ltd.

Garden was delighted to take up the appointment, saying it was an exciting time in the Phil’s history.

“To come to Liverpool during its year as European Capital of Culture is both exciting and challenging and I am looking forward to working with the team,” he said.

He adds that he wants to strengthen partnerships and develop new ones “that will help shape the Phil’s ambitions for learning and engagement alongside the work of the orchestra and Philharmonic Hall.”