Royal Liverpool Philharmonic's Chief Executive Michael Eakin to retire in 2025

MICHAEL Eakin OBE is to stand down as Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society in March 2025 after over 16 years leading the organisation.

During his tenure, Eakin has led the Liverpool Philharmonic team in a period of remarkable growth and innovation, including:- a £14m refurbishment of the Hall, including:- the creation of a new second performance space, The Music Room; the development of the industry-leading In Harmony Liverpool programme and NHS Music and Health programme, and expansion of the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Company alongside the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir. The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra under Chief Conductors Vasily Petrenko and Domingo Hindoyan has grown its reach and reputation through its concert seasons, recordings and international tours including:- 1st ever visits to Japan and China. Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, one of the UK's leading concert halls, now presents over 400 concerts per year and the organisation has seen sustained growth in audience numbers as well as philanthropic support.

Eakin has led the organisation through challenging times, winning plaudits for his prudent management during Covid, where Liverpool Philharmonic presented a series of live orchestral concerts at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, one of the earliest organisations world wide to do so.

Eakin is also Chair of the Liverpool City Region Music Board. He was awarded an OBE in 2023 for services to the music and the community in Liverpool.

Michael joined Liverpool Philharmonic from Arts Council England, with whom he had been Executive Director North West. Previously, he was Director of Arts and Leisure for Reading Borough Council, with a portfolio including:- the arts and theatre, libraries, museums and archives, sport and leisure, and tourism.

He is a former Chair of the Association of British Orchestras and a former Vice President of the Theatrical Management Association (now UK Theatre). Eakin was awarded an Honorary Degree by the University of Liverpool in 2022 in recognition of his contribution to arts and culture in Liverpool.

Louise Shepherd, Chair of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society Board, said:- "On behalf of everyone at Liverpool Philharmonic; our talented musicians, loyal audiences, dedicated stakeholders, generous donors, and the countless children and young people who are part of the Liverpool Philharmonic family; I would like to express our deepest gratitude to Michael for his exceptional leadership over the past 16 years. Michael's tenure has been nothing short of transformative. His visionary approach has not only strengthened our financial foundation but has also significantly expanded our reach and impact within the community. Under his guidance, Liverpool Philharmonic has flourished, becoming a beacon of artistic excellence and cultural innovation"

Michael Eakin said:- "Throughout my career, working in the arts has been a profound joy, with my time at Royal Liverpool Philharmonic standing out as particularly rewarding. This institution is not just a cornerstone of Liverpool's cultural identity, but a significant contributor to the UK's artistic landscape. Our reach extends across the community, touching the lives of hundreds of thousands through our concerts and educational initiatives. The unwavering support from Liverpool's residents and our partners has been extraordinary; I can't imagine a more inspiring City in which to lead a musical organization. I've had the privilege of collaborating with an exceptional team, and any accolades I've received are a testament to their dedication and hard work as much as my own contributions. As I step down, I leave with a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to have been part of this remarkable journey."

As he retires, Michael Eakin leaves behind a legacy of artistic excellence, and community impact that has cemented Royal Liverpool Philharmonic's position as a cornerstone of Liverpool's cultural landscape and a significant contributor to the UK's cultural scene.

Quick thinking Lifestyles staff save man's life

A grandfather who suffered a heart attack at Lifestyles Ellergreen Leisure Centre has praised Council staff for saving his life, calling their swift response "unbelievable."

On Wednesday, 14 August 2024, 80 year old Ted Sturgeon, who is a regular visitor to the Leisure Centre, collapsed from heart failure as he entered the dryside changing area.

Within 30 seconds, quick thinking staff responded, led by Duty Manager Arron McCann, alongside Training Officer Natalie Wainwright and Attendant Heather Gibb.

In a display of rapid teamwork, 4 members of staff were delivering CPR to Ted in under a minute, including:- Attendant Tracy Hulks, who was also on duty. A defibrillator shock was administered just 90 seconds after the collapse.

Ted, a former joiner from Norris Green, began to show signs of recovery after 4 minutes of CPR and 2 defibrillator shocks, a critical window in which the team's immediate action made all the difference.

Paramedics, who arrived on the scene 6 minutes later, commended the staff, describing their response as:- "1 of the best they had witnessed".

Ted, who has since had an internal cardiac defibrillator fitted, recently returned to the centre to reunite with the team who saved his life. The reunion was emotional, with staff reflecting on the life-saving events of that day, and many were moved to tears.

The team have now been invited to Liverpool Town Hall, where they will be personally thanked for their efforts by the City's Lord Mayor, Cllr Richard Kemp.

Ted's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of quick reactions, teamwork, and the life-saving value of CPR and defibrillation training and administration.

For 1st aid advice and information, please visit St John Ambulance's website:- SJA.Org.UK.

Ted Sturgeon said:- "I can't thank the team enough for what they did that day. Their quick response and the way they worked together were unbelievable. I owe my life to them, and I'll never forget how their actions saved me. I'm just so grateful to be here today."

Liverpool City Council's Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, Councillor Harry Doyle, said:- "The incredible actions of the staff at Lifestyles Ellergreen are a testament to the training and dedication they bring to their roles every day. Their quick thinking and the life-saving skills they've developed through their training made all the difference in this situation. We are extremely proud of their efforts and the vital work they do, not just in supporting people's health and wellbeing, but in being prepared for emergencies like this. It's clear that having such training in place can literally save lives."