The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) today announces the appointment of Lindsay Dodsworth and John Russo as Non-Executive Directors.
The appointments come at a time when the RPO, under the artistic leadership of Music Director Vasily Petrenko, is actively expanding its creative work on the concert platform and in the community. In addition to its busy schedule of international touring, residencies outside London and increasingly diversified concert programming – all designed to broaden its appeal to new audiences - the RPO has recently announced a new recording partnership with harmonia mundi and continues to invest heavily in its ground-breaking RPO Resound community and education programme.
Supporting this period of significant growth, the RPO Board, which comprises elected members of the Orchestra working alongside Non-Executive Directors, welcomes the critical business expertise, knowledge and networks of its NEDs and special advisers.
Lindsay Dodsworth
Lindsay is a chartered accountant, an experienced non-executive director and a charity trustee. A former partner at EY, Lindsay is currently a non-executive director on the Boards of the Franklin Global Trust and Elveden Farms Ltd, Chair of Governors of St. John’s College School in Cambridge and a Trustee of Goodenough College. Lindsay was a clarinettist and has a music degree from Cambridge University, where she also played and continues to play Javanese Gamelan music.
Lindsay comments: "The RPO is a very special orchestra; it has been a part of my life since before I started playing the clarinet and its role in the musical culture of London, the UK and the world is invaluable. The RPO’s outstanding Resound and Strokestra projects facilitate accessibility and inclusivity. I am passionate about excellence in performance, accessibility of music discovery for all and I am a firm believer that the benefits of participating in music, particularly live music, can be enriching for everyone. I am proud to be taking up my new role with the RPO Board and I look forward to making a real difference in supporting the team.”
John Russo
John is a senior executive and advisor with a distinguished career leading high-profile organisations across the art, luxury, and investment sectors. As CEO of one of Europe’s most prominent contemporary art businesses, John has overseen international expansion and significant commercial growth. He also serves as a trusted advisor to various clients, managing strategic, legal, and philanthropic affairs across multiple jurisdictions. His experience spans public service, including his role as a family magistrate, and private enterprise, where he brings a passion for cultural advancement, governance, and institutional excellence.
John comments: “As one of the world’s most accomplished and globally-reaching ensembles, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra not only brings orchestral excellence to the world’s great concert halls, but also delivers extraordinary impact through its education and outreach programmes. From schools and care homes to prisons and underserved communities, it is an institution that marries virtuosity with purpose. To sit alongside such esteemed board members and contribute to an orchestra that reaches more than 60 million people is a privilege I do not take lightly. The arts matter. They uplift, provoke, connect, and heal. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra stands as a powerful reminder that cultural excellence is not a luxury. It is a necessity.”
Andrew Storey, Chair of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, said: “On behalf of Vasily Petrenko, the RPO Board, management and players, we are delighted to welcome Lindsay and John to the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. They both bring best-in-class expertise, together with a genuine passion for orchestral music – and a belief in the difference it can make to enrich society, support wellbeing and, as a universal language, to unite people of different cultures, languages and beliefs. As it heads towards its 80th Anniversary in 2026 the RPO has ambitious plans and Lindsay and John join us at an exciting time, as we start a new chapter in the RPO’s journey - with confidence and purpose.”
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