The Barbican has announced the appointment of Leonora Thomson as interim Artistic Director, following Louise Jeffreys’ departure from the role in April 2020.
Leonora Thomson first joined the Barbican in 2008 as Head of Communications and became Director of Audiences and Development in 2010. She joined Welsh National Opera as Managing Director in 2015, where she worked until 2019.
Her appointment comes as the Barbican announces new free digital content on its Read, Watch & Listen page and via its social channels.
Musical highlights include:
- Listen: Tony Allen – a playlist curated by Strut Records covering music performed by legendary Afrobeat drummer, Tony Allen, who died on 30 April 2020, beginning with his work with Fela Kuti and ending with his final track with Gorillaz
- Two short films on The Lark Ascending – films featuring new sound recordings and compositions by Rob St John commissioned for Richard King’s cancelled The Lark Ascending concert
Leonora Thomson said:
‘We’re really pleased that people are enjoying the programming we’re curating for them on our Read, Watch & Listen page.
‘We’re presenting a range of content that showcases the uniqueness of the Barbican’s artistic offer, exploring the times we’re living through but also bringing inspiration and joy.
‘I’m thrilled to be working at this incredible institution. Although it’s strange not being in the building, it’s still an honour to help the organisation through this difficult period.’
