Saffron Hall Trust announces new Chair of the Board of Trustees

Saffron Hall Trust has announced that Dominic Wallis will succeed Professor Sir Barry Ife CBE as Chair of the Board of Trustees.

Barry Ife was appointed Chair in 2019 and during his tenure saw the Trust through the pandemic, supporting the quick reopening of the venue with over 74 events and employing over 740 musicians in the first year of covid. Ife was also instrumental in the opening of Saffron Centre for Young Musicians in 2015, which, within 2 years, became the largest music school in Essex and remains so.

Dominic Wallis, a qualified lawyer, and former professional singer has worked in investment banking for most of his career. He is a Trustee of Opera North and Uppingham School and a keen singer, currently part of Ely Cathedral’s expanded choir.

Dominic Wallis will work closely with Chief Executive Angela Dixon, who has seen the Hall through its first ten years.

Dominic commented: “Saffron Hall is a unique model of arts and education that has quickly become an organisation of national significance. I feel privileged to follow Barry Ife as Chair and to build on the solid foundations he has put down. I am excited to continue working with the excellent team at Saffron Hall Trust and leading them into the next decade.”

Barry commented: "It has been a great privilege to chair the Board of Saffron Hall Trust and to work with our gifted CEO, Angela Dixon. I will remain a financial supporter through the membership scheme, support the occasional concert and cheer from the sidelines. As we take fresh guard for the next ten years, I wish the Board and the Executive Team every success and our loyal supporters many joyful hours in what has become one of the UK's foremost concert halls.”