Violinist Sarah Fox has been appointed chair of Sheffield Chamber Orchestra, taking on the leadership role after 13 years performing with the ensemble and eight years serving on its committee.
Sarah succeeds Julie Ryan, who has stepped down after nine years as chair.
Having started playing the violin at the age of nine, Sarah has spent much of her life performing with orchestras and chamber groups across the country.
She currently leads the Lindsey Chamber Orchestra in North Lincolnshire and also performs with the Greenwich Chamber Orchestra, Boyce Orchestra and several string quartets.
Her previous musical experience includes leading the Rochford Ensemble and performing with Lincoln Pro Musica, Lincolnshire Philharmonia Orchestra and Grimsby Symphony Orchestra.
Alongside her performances, Sarah has played an active role behind the scenes at Sheffield Chamber Orchestra, helping to produce concert publicity, write programme notes and support the orchestra’s return to rehearsals and performances following the Covid pandemic.
She also brings leadership experience from a career in the NHS, where she worked in clinical and managerial roles as a Consultant Radiographic Practitioner, including leading an imaging team.
Sarah hopes to draw on that experience in her new position, helping to develop the orchestra’s profile, attract new audiences and encourage the next generation of musicians.
A particular priority is the orchestra’s annual Accent on Youth concert, which gives young performers the opportunity to perform in front of an audience.
She also hopes to strengthen the orchestra’s place within Sheffield’s cultural community and encourage people who have never attended a classical concert to experience live orchestral music.
Sarah takes over from Julie as Sheffield Chamber Orchestra continues its 2026/27 concert season, building on more than 75 years of music-making in the city.
Image: Sheffield Chamber Orchestra.
