Aurora Orchestra has today announced the appointment of Johnny Langridge as its new Chief Executive. He will take up the position from spring 2027.

Johnny will work alongside Artistic Director Jane Mitchell and Principal Conductor Nicholas Collon at the helm of one of the UK’s most innovative and dynamic orchestras.

He succeeds John Harte, who leaves the orchestra after over 17 years to take up the role of Managing Director at the London Symphony Orchestra in August. 

Since 2022 Johnny has been Executive Director at Solomon’s Knot, the internationally-acclaimed baroque collective which has established itself amongst the most vibrant and imaginative ensembles in early music. Previously he served for a decade as Director of Development and Communications at Garsington Opera, where he played a key role in realising the ambitious £14.5 million capital project that resulted in the creation of the Garsington Studios complex. 

Now in its 21st year, Aurora Orchestra has established itself as one of the most successful new British arts organisations in recent decades. The orchestra has developed thriving residencies at London’s Southbank Centre and Kings Place and delivered a series of critically-acclaimed Orchestral Theatre projects, notably as highlights of the BBC Proms. Its work has attracted awards internationally including three Royal Philharmonic Society Awards, the Classical:NEXT Innovation Award and the Grand Prix at the Golden Prague International TV Festival.  

Prior to his arrival at Aurora in spring 2027, the organisation will be led by a transition team comprising Artistic Director Jane Mitchell and senior staff under the oversight of Dame Liz Forgan DBE, Chair of Trustees since 2019. 

Johnny Langridge, Chief Executive-designate, says: “I have admired the work of Aurora Orchestra from its very earliest days – a true trailblazer full of passionate, talented people who have defined Orchestral Theatre, placing excellence and broad engagement at its heart. 

I am deeply honoured to have the opportunity to join them at such an exciting point in Aurora’s development, following John Harte’s inspirational leadership, and I look forward enormously to what lies ahead.”

Dame Liz Forgan DBE, Chair of Trustees says: “We cast a wide net to find a new Chief Executive who shares Aurora’s courage, passion, seriousness and adventure and who will bring wide-ranging strengths to the next phase of the orchestra’s life.”

Nicholas Collon, Principal Conductor and Jane Mitchell, Artistic Director of Aurora Orchestra, say: “We are delighted to be welcoming Johnny as Aurora’s new Chief Executive and believe that his passion, enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit will be the perfect fit for Aurora. We're thrilled that he will be joining our team, leading Aurora into its next chapter.”

For further press information please contact:

Rebecca Driver Media Relations

Maddie Castell | 07807 831113 | maddie@rdmr.co.uk

Rhiannon Turton | 07946 130905 | rhiannon@rdmr.co.uk

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