Image of Judith Webster
Changing Faces

Webster to lead Association of British Orchestras

Arts Professional
2 min read

JUDITH WEBSTER is to become the Association of British Orchestras’s (ABO) new Chief Executive.

She will take up post in November, succeeding MARK PEMBERTON who left in September after a 15-year tenure.

Webster most recently led national music education charity Music for Youth.

Her career has also included developing engagement programmes for the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and London Sinfonietta, and designing and directing a post-graduate Diploma in Creative Leadership for the Royal College of Music.

Webster said: “The opportunity to lead the ABO at this time is a perfect fit for me, combining as it does my passion for orchestras and my deep-rooted commitment to embracing change and supporting innovation in all aspects of their work.”

She said she feels indebted to Pemberton and ABO for their work in supporting the sector through the pandemic.

ABO Chair SIMON WEBB said Webster is an established and highly regarded colleague in the orchestral and music education sectors.

“Judith has a deep understanding of orchestras and the full range of their work and I look forward to working with her as the ABO builds on Mark Pemberton’s excellent work and, under Judith’s leadership, works with our members to create a secure and flourishing future for British orchestras,” Webb added.