Founded in 1949 by Harry Blech to delight audiences with the works of Mozart and Haydn, London Mozart Players (LMP) is the UK’s longest-established chamber orchestra with a 70-year history of performing and recording phenomenal music to the highest standard. However, the name shouldn't mislead readers. LMP doesn't just play in London, and it certainly doesn't just play Mozart. As well as its residencies at Fairfield Halls in Croydon, St John the Evangelist in Upper Norwood, and Opus Theatre in Hastings, it is well known internationally for working with many of the world’s greatest conductors and soloists. It is proud to have developed a reputation for making and playing adventurous, ambitious and accessible music, and for being at the forefront of embedding arts and culture into the life of local communities, across the UK and beyond.

LMP works with schools and music hubs to inspire the next generation of musicians and music lovers. It has a long tradition of promoting young talent: Nicola Benedetti, Jacqueline du Pré and Jan Pascal Tortelier are just three of many young musical virtuosi championed early in their careers by LMP. In 2021, violin virtuoso Leia Zhu was appointed as its Young Artist-in-Residence: this was a nurturing and collaborative relationship to encourage her young talent. After celebrating its 70th birthday in 2019, LMP found itself navigating orchestra life during the pandemic. During that time, it created an award-winning digital concert series which reached millions of people – reaffirming its commitment to its audiences.

The LMP enjoys a special relationship with its audience and has thriving Friends and Sponsors programmes. The orchestra always tries to break down the fourth wall between musicians and audience, and this is achieved in part by the orchestra being self-directed. It is the only professional orchestra in the UK to be managed both operationally and artistically by its players. LMP has a very strong following and a lot of potential to grow even further in the coming years. In 2023, it will be opening the launch event for Croydon’s Borough of Culture, as well as continuing to host its own concerts and events throughout the next year.

London Mozart Players (LMP) has an effective and established governance system in which Trustees and executive directors work together constructively to develop, oversee and implement strategy. The Board culture is positive and collaborative; challenges are made appropriately when needed, and there is a strong and varied mix of skills and perspectives around the table to ensure wide-ranging debates and carefully considered decisions. 

LMP consists of two separate but related organisations, namely the London Mozart Players Trust (a charity, with which this role specification is directly concerned), and the London Mozart Players Orchestra Limited (a company, which is responsible for the operations of the LMP). The successful candidate for this role will sit on the Board of the Trust as a Trustee. 

LMP is keen that the new Trustee actively shares the enthusiastic, positive and ambitious commitment of the Board to do their absolute best for people with a passion for classical music. They should be prepared to contribute their skills and expertise constructively both in- and outside of formal meetings. LMP works hard to introduce diverse groups to world-class orchestral experiences, particularly in culturally under-served rural, and disadvantaged urban, areas. Therefore, it is seeking to recruit a Trustee who will be an active and involved member of a dynamic team, to take forward the strategic development of the charity.

Key responsibilities include:

• Ensuring that LMP complies with its constitution, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
• Ensuring clear strategic direction and contributing to setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance
• Helping LMP take music and creativity to schools, care homes, and other non-traditional environments
  
• Approving LMP’s strategic business plan and annual budget
• Safeguarding the organisation’s reputation and promoting its ambition, purpose and beliefs
• Ensuring financial stability, protecting LMP's assets, and ensuring the proper investment of funds and effective administration
• Acting as an ambassador for LMP

London Mozart Players is looking for someone with senior strategic level experience in finance to join its Board. The new Finance Trustee will support the Board of Trustees in their responsibilities for maintaining financial governance arrangements. As such, the successful candidate will be able to offer high-level, strategic guidance on best practice with regard to financial accounts, budgeting, forecasting, financial appraisal, management and monitoring.

The new Trustee will bring fresh perspectives, a collaborative approach, and be willing to challenge where necessary. The organisation welcomes candidates who are financially qualified, and who may have been a CFO / Finance Director / Partner in an accounting firm, but is also open to high-quality individuals who have broad finance / risk experience.

It is not necessary to have previous Trustee or committee experience as mentoring and training will be provided as appropriate. LMP welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. It is particularly keen to improve the diversity of the Board and ensure that it is representative of the communities it supports.

Sir Robert Lechler (Chair)
Emily Benn
Jonathan Feroze
Roanna Gibson
David Lamberti
Lady Lydia Thompson

This role is unremunerated, but reasonable, pre-agreed travel expenses may be reimbursed. The appointment is for a three year term, which may be renewed once.

There are six Board meetings and four committee / working group meetings in London per year. Working groups  often meet virtually via video / phone conference.  Trustees are expected to attend London Mozart Players concerts and other events whenever possible.

UK - London

LMP welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. It is particularly keen to improve the diversity of the Board and ensure that it is representative of the communities it supports. As those from an ethnic minority background are currently under-represented on the Board, applications from those individuals would be encouraged. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. In line with the Equality Act 2010, however, the organisation may employ positive action where candidates from underrepresented groups can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.