Sheffield Chamber Orchestra is delighted to welcome Sarah Fox as its new Chairman, following the retirement of Julie Ryan, who led the orchestra for nine years. A violinist who has played with SCO for 13 years, Sarah brings a wealth of musical experience, a strong commitment to the orchestra and a vision for its future.

We spoke to Sarah about her musical journey, her memories of SCO and her ambitions for the orchestra in the years ahead.

A lifelong love of music

Sarah’s musical journey began at the age of nine, when she first picked up the violin. Her early experiences included leading the Scunthorpe and District Schools Orchestra, playing with Hull Youth Orchestra and attending courses run by the National Association of Youth Orchestras (NAYO).

“These experiences gave me a fantastic grounding for my adult playing,” she explains. Since then, Sarah has performed with numerous orchestras and chamber groups across Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire and beyond.

She joined Sheffield Chamber Orchestra 13 years ago and has found a great deal to enjoy in its distinctive combination of music-making and camaraderie.

“I really enjoy playing with a chamber orchestra. This orchestra is really friendly, playing a good selection of repertoire which complements my other musical interests.”

It is a combination that has kept her involved not just as a performer, but also as an active member of the orchestra’s committee.

Making music and memories

Over the years, Sarah has witnessed many memorable moments with SCO. Among her recollections are the orchestra’s former gala concerts at Firth Hall, where everyone sat around large tables, creating a distinctive atmosphere for the occasion.

She has also particularly enjoyed the opportunity to perform alongside distinguished musicians, including pianist Tim Horton and clarinettist Robert Plane, as well as taking part in a production of Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro with Opera on Location.

These experiences reflect the breadth of musical opportunities that have made her time with SCO so rewarding.

Sarah’s contribution behind the scenes has been equally significant. During eight years on the committee, she has helped with posters and concert programmes, written programme notes and prepared risk assessments to enable the orchestra to return to rehearsals and performances as soon as possible after the Covid pandemic. She has also become a trustee of the SCO charity.

After a lifelong career in the NHS Sarah has retired from her role as a Consultant Radiographic Practitioner in both clinical and managerial roles. Having led an imaging team for many years, she brings considerable experience of leadership, organisation and coordinating complex activities.

She sees these skills as directly relevant to her new responsibilities.

“After having led an imaging team for many years I will be able to transfer the organisational and leadership skills learnt to help me coordinate all the necessary aspects of the running of the orchestra.”

Her appointment comes at an exciting time for SCO, which has continued to develop its activities and reach in recent years. Sarah is keen to build on this progress, increasing the orchestra’s profile and encouraging more people to discover the enjoyment of live orchestral music.

One priority is particularly close to her heart: supporting young musicians. She sees SCO’s annual Accent on Youth concert, which brings young performers into the spotlight, as one of the orchestra’s greatest strengths.

“I want to build upon that change to promote the orchestra, to increase the number of people that come to the concerts and especially to nurture the next generation so that music making can continue for many years to come.”

Looking to the future

Sarah’s ambitions extend beyond the orchestra itself. With Sheffield in the running for UK City of Culture, she sees an opportunity for SCO to play a more prominent part in the city’s cultural life and introduce its music to new audiences.

“Now that Sheffield is in the running for the City of Culture, I would like to be able to promote SCO as part of that and show the city and beyond what a wonderful orchestra we have.”

Her vision combines building on the orchestra’s existing strengths with reaching out to people who may not yet have experienced a classical concert. It is an approach that reflects both her enthusiasm for SCO and her belief in the value of live music.

And what would she say to someone who has never attended a Sheffield Chamber Orchestra concert?

“I want SCO to be accessible to everyone, so for those who haven’t been before I would say: ‘Come along and listen, we play some fantastic music which sounds so special when played live. Come along and listen and meet the city’s friendly chamber orchestra.’”

With Sarah taking up the leadership role behind the scenes, SCO looks forward to building on its achievements, welcoming new audiences and continuing to share its love of orchestral music with Sheffield and the surrounding region.

We look forward to welcoming you to a concert soon!