TURNER Sims concert hall manager Kevin Appleby has been appointed the chairman of the British Association of Concert Halls.

The move follows the retirement of Andrew Jowett, of Symphony Hall, Birmingham.

Kevin, the long-standing figurehead of the celebrated Southampton venue, said: “I’m delighted and honoured. My predecessor did a great job, steering the organisation capably through the last two decades.

“The Association is now a strong group, and while concert halls are currently operating in a challenging environment, the contribution they make to British cultural life is vital. Every concert hall has a huge impact on its location and enables arts activity to happen there which would otherwise not take place. I look forward to leading the organisation in these exciting times.”

The British Association of Concert Halls is the national body representing venues with a significant classical music programme. Founded in 1995, its members include concert halls throughout the United Kingdom, from Edinburgh to Poole and Cardiff to Saffron Walden. Last year, nearly 1.7 million people enjoyed concerts in member venues.