Headshot of Nicky Spence

Nicky Spence (pictured) is this year's ISM President, succeeding Pauline Black

Photo: Ki Price

Changing Faces

ISM names presidential trio for year ahead

Patrick Jowett
2 min read

The Independent Society of Musicians (ISM) confirmed its presidential trio for the next twelve months at its annual general meeting today (16 April).

Opera performer NICKY SPENCE is the new ISM President, succeeding PAULINE BLACK, who recently became Assistant Principal of UHI Orkney.

Cellist GABRIELLA SWALLOW is the new ISM President-Elect, meaning she will take over from Spence in 2025.

The pair will work alongside ISM Chief Executive DEBORAH ANNETTS.

“I can’t wait to work with our fantastic members in the year ahead,” Spence said.

“As President I want to work with the ISM to help protect the conditions musicians need to deliver brilliant art. While a musician’s career may feel like a vocation, it’s important that we help secure the best working conditions for musicians so they can do their best work and remember the joy which being a professional musician can bring. A strong and growing ISM community has never been more important,” he added.

Outgoing president Black said her tenure had been a real privilege.

“Our community of musicians continues to grow and our advocacy across the issues that really matter from music education, to touring post Brexit, opposing cuts in Higher and Further education as well as the impact of AI on the music industry, continues to be potent and far reaching,” she said.