HarrisonParrott Foundation announces new Patron role & two new Trustee appointments

25/5/2022

The HarrisonParrott Foundation is delighted to announce the new role of Patron and the appointment of two Trustees in a drive to strengthen the HarrisonParrott Foundation board

We are thrilled that leading artists Jess Gillam and Ollie Howell will remain involved in the HarrisonParrott Foundation in the new and vital role of Patron, moving from their previous role as Trustees. In addition, the HP Foundation gladly welcomes violinist Leia Zhu as a Patron. The honorary Patron role has been created to promote and advocate for the HP Foundation, increase public awareness of its values and activities, and help the HP Foundation engage with wider society. We thank Jess and Ollie for their enduring support and commitment, and thank Leia for giving her time to support the HP Foundation.

Patron Leia Zhu comments:

“I am incredibly honoured to have the opportunity to be a Patron of the HarrisonParrott Foundation. Deeply committed to promoting arts and fostering diversity and inclusion in all forms, these values are critically important to me, and I wholeheartedly support the mission of the Foundation. Whether through funding cultural events, providing platforms for emerging artists, or creating opportunities for underrepresented groups, the work of the HarrisonParrott Foundation is truly transformative. I am excited to play a role in its ongoing success and eager to be a part of this vital movement. I cannot wait to contribute my time, energy, and resources to help further its success.”

In addition to the new Patron role, the HP Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Ruth Minton, in the role of Education Trustee, and Lorna Aizlewood to our board of Trustees. The new Trustees bring a breadth of expertise from the education, music and legal sectors and will join four other Trustees led by Chair, Jasper Parrott.

Ruth Minton — A soloist, collaborative pianist and educator, Ruth K. Minton is a Lecturer in Music at the University of Liverpool, leading modules on Classical Performance, historically-informed performance and harmony. After graduating from Oxford with an MA Honours degree in music in 2010, Ruth graduated with a Masters degree in Music Performance from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, as well as an LRSM Diploma in Piano Performance. A sought-after performance coach and academic tutor, Ruth is Head of Academic Studies for the Junior Department of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, and a Visiting Lecturer for the Senior Department. Having worked in a range of positions from primary to higher education, Ruth has extensive experience of music education in the UK. She is passionate about supporting the next generation in the arts, and particularly music, creating opportunities for all.

Ruth Minton
Ruth Minton

Lorna Aizlewood — Lorna has over 30 years’ experience in the arts, music, television, film, digital new media, IT and associated industries. Also a solicitor, she has broad commercial and legal knowledge and experience in operational matters such as strategy, branding, budgeting, operations, P&L accountability, business development, HR and the management of teams. Outside her day job she is also Chair of the Board of Directors and Trustees of the Arts Council England NPO the English Folk Dance and Song Society. She is passionate about the ability of the arts to transform lives and opportunity for all.

Lorna a
Lorna Aizlewood

Jasper Parrott, Chair of HarrisonParrott Foundation says:

“I am happy to be welcoming Ruth Minton and Lorna Aizlewood to join the Foundation board. They bring with them an array of skills and experience and a passion for inclusion in the arts that will be a huge asset to the HP Foundation both now and in the future. We are also delighted to create the new role of Patron, and that Jess Gillam and Ollie Howell will continue to support the HP Foundation in this capacity. We also welcome Leia Zhu as a Patron and look forward to working closely with her in her mission to inspire younger audiences to discover the enrichments to be discovered in classical music. It’s a great pleasure to welcome our new Trustees and Patrons and I look forward to their contributions as the Foundation starts to develop its ambitious future programming and outreach work”

HarrisonParrott Foundation was founded in 2019 during HarrisonParrott’s 50th anniversary celebratory year. The aim of the HP Foundation is to support and champion equity and inclusion in the arts. By partnering with organisations who work day-in, day-out, combatting these issues the HarrisonParrott Foundation is determined to ensure real change happens.