Orchestras Live appoints new trustees
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We are delighted to announce the appointment of Scott Dickson and Caroline Downs to the Orchestras Live Board of Trustees.
Both bring a wealth of expertise from the public policy, orchestral, and social care sectors, alongside a shared passion for ensuring that orchestral music is accessible to everyone.
Scott and Caroline have been volunteering as trustee designates for the past year, observing board activities and getting to know the organisation. We're delighted to now welcome them onto the Board.
Their combined experience will further strengthen our governance and contribute to our mission of making orchestral music accessible to all.
Scott Dickson
Scott has worked in politics and public policy for over a decade. He has particular expertise in devolution, having led the work on the Labour Party’s Commission on the UK’s Future chaired by Gordon Brown, and developing devolution policy at the Greater Manchester Combined Authority. Since November 2024, he has worked at the Department for Education in a strategy role.
Scott learned classical piano and the tuba as a teenager, and in his spare time today he enjoys learning jazz piano, as well as listening to a range of orchestral music.
Caroline Downs
Caroline has over 15 years’ experience in both the orchestral and social care sectors. As Artist Manager at KD Schmid, she works with leading artists and orchestras across the UK and internationally.
During her time with Bath Philharmonia, Caroline delivered orchestral and creative learning projects throughout the South West, fostering connections between musicians and their communities.
Caroline is also a qualified social worker and has worked within a community adults team, supporting people with severe mental illness, brain injury, learning disabilities, and dementia.
Caroline is passionate about making orchestral music accessible to everyone and is particularly interested in reaching marginalised groups and individuals who receive social care. She is a mum of two and, in her spare time, plays the flute with orchestras in Bristol.
Having admired the work of Orchestras Live for many years, I’m thrilled to be joining the organisation as a trustee and to work with such a fantastic team. I strongly believe in OL’s mission, impact, and approach to making live orchestral experiences accessible to everyone, and I hope to contribute to this through my knowledge of the classical music, creative learning, and social care sectors.
Caroline Downs
Our Trustees meet regularly throughout the year to oversee the charity’s financial health, develop long-term goals, and ensure that we continue to fulfil our mission. In addition to attending board meetings, trustees actively participate in committees and working groups, supporting various aspects of our work.
We are confident that Scott and Caroline’s expertise will play a key role in shaping our future, and we look forward to working closely with them to ensure Orchestras Live continues to thrive, creating opportunities for communities across the UK to experience the power of orchestral music.