NMC Announces new Chair

We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Professor Mick Peake OBE as the next Chair of NMC Recordings.

Mick has been a lifelong champion of contemporary music, having led the Board of Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival from 2002 to 2024. Prior to that he was Chair of Contemporary Music for All (CoMA), a charity which exists to boost participation in contemporary music for musicians of all abilities. He also sits on the Board of the Welsh contemporary music ensemble, UPROAR, and chairs The Hay Music Trust, programming the annual Hay Music Festival and its year-round concert series including an ambitious programme of commissions, premieres and outreach work. By trade he was a consultant respiratory physician with expertise in lung cancer and the asbestos-related cancer, mesothelioma. Amongst many other senior medical-related roles, he was National Lead Clinician for lung cancer for the NHS in England between 2001 and 2013.    

Mick said: “I have been an admirer of the work of NMC for very many years and was both overwhelmed and excited when asked if I might consider taking on the role of Chair of its Board. Its outgoing Chair, Jackie Newbould, has been outstanding, and taken the organisation through an important period of development. I will do my very best to ensure the future of the organisation which is such a vital part of our living musical culture in Britain and Ireland.”        

Jackie Newbould (outgoing Chair) said: "I’m honoured to have been Chair for the past 6 years of the national treasure that is NMC Recordings - a formidable force for new music. We are very lucky to be welcoming Mick Peake into the role, bringing with him a wealth of experience. I look forward very much to working with him and our Board as I remain a Trustee, supporting the inspired leadership of Sam Mackay, Colin Matthews' extraordinary vision and an exceptionally skilled staff team."

Sam Mackay (Executive Director) said: "I'm so happy that Mick is joining us at this exciting time for NMC. His depth of experience is incredible and will be a vital asset for us as we continue to evolve. It also matters hugely that Mick brings with him an authentic and longstanding passion for the music we champion: work that is ambitious, exploratory, unafraid of risk, and constantly engaged with the world around us. I look forward to working with Mick to ensure this music and its creators get the attention and impact they deserve."