Kevin Appleby to step down as Concert Hall Manager

Kevin joined Turner Sims in 2000. Since then, Kevin has set the venue’s artistic direction and programmed its celebrated concert series, spanning classical, jazz, folk and global music.

Kevin has been an influential figure, raising the bar on the region’s music scene over the past 25 years. His many Turner Sims career highlights include Southampton’s Musical Alphabet in 2012, which saw 50 events and 500 performers entertain 2500 people in 23 venues across the city as part of London 20212’s Cultural Olympiad. The international Friday Afternoons project in 2013 celebrated the centenary of Benjamin Britten. 2760 children were involved in the climax of the Britten Stream project broadcast live from Turner Sims. Peter Edwards’ Turner Sims commission ‘A Journey with the Giants of Jazz’, premiered at the concert hall in 2017. It was part of the nationwide New Music Biennial initiative, with further performances as part of Hull UK City of Culture and at London’s Southbank Centre’. In 2021, the world premiere of Tunde Jegede’s ‘Voyages of the Heart‘ was broadcast online due to Covid-19 restrictions. The work was commissioned for the Mayflower 400 commemorations in Southampton. More recently, Turner Sims hosted the BBC Singers in their 100th Anniversary year at Turner Sims in collaboration with the University’s Department of Music.

Kevin’s final Turner Sims concert series will be the 51st Autumn Season (Sep 2025 – Jan 2026) to be announced in May 2025.

Kevin Appleby said, “Turner Sims has been part of my life for so long that the thought of my time here coming to a close feels somewhat strange. However as the concert hall reaches the end of its 50th anniversary year, and I at the same time complete 25 years here, it is the right moment for me to step down and focus on other things.

When I was appointed I don’t think I ever anticipated spending such a significant amount of my working life in one organisation. However, whenever there has been a doubt in my mind about continuing, another unmissable opportunity, collaboration, or new venture has magically appeared.

As Turner Sims begins its next phase, I will be forever grateful to have been part of an organisation that means so much to so many people, to have worked with inspiring colleagues who have made the place what it is, and to have enjoyed and learnt from so many rewarding experiences.”

Sarah Robertson, Co-Chair of Turner Sims Strategic Board said, “Kevin is an exemplary and passionate advocate for music and throughout his hugely successful time at Turner Sims he has worked tirelessly to bring the best music and musicians to the audiences of Southampton. He is held in such high regard across the city, University and in the concert hall sector, championing the impact of music venues at the highest levels. In particular his passion and support for jazz music and musicians has seen Turner Sims develop a vibrant programme of up-and-coming and established artists that is the envy of others. The Strategic Board are so grateful for his hard work and dedication and warmly wish him well for the future.”