Former Perth Concert Hall Manager leads prestigious UK venue

Andrew Bolt, former General Manager of the Perth Concert Hall, has taken on the role of Chief Executive of The Bridgewater Hall in Manchester, United Kingdom.

Australian-born Bolt was General Manager of Perth Concert Hall for 21 years and previously in the management of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and the West Australian Symphony Orchestra for 13 years.

As a senior member of the Perth Theatre Trust, Bolt also had executive responsibilities involving a number of its performance venues including His Majesty’s Theatre, the Playhouse Theatre, the State Theatre Centre of Western Australia, the Subiaco Arts Centre, the Albany Entertainment Centre, the Bell Tower and Government House Ballroom.

Bolt’s portfolio has included management roles in ticketing, marketing and food and beverage, as well as board membership positions with Jazz Australia and the accreditation panels for the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts and the Conservatorium of Music, and the Australian and New Zealand Performing Arts Centres Programming Executive.

Speaking ahead of his new role at The Bridgewater Hall, he explained “I am excited and thrilled to have the privilege to lead this iconic international venue and its talented team into the future and to continue to promote this wonderful performing arts facility within the cultural life of both the city and nation.”

John Sharkey, Executive Vice President of SMG Europe, venue managers of The Bridgewater Hall, added “our vision for the Hall is to establish it as a leading international venue and we’re delighted to have secured an international talent to help us deliver this ambition.

“Andrew’s proven track record in delivering artistic leadership and creative programming, alongside his substantial business acumen and commercial success, makes him the perfect candidate.”

Mike O'Connor, Chair of Manchester Concert Hall Ltd, also welcomed the news of Bolt’s appointment, commenting “Andrew's appointment confirms The Bridgewater Hall’s reputation as a significant international player and important part of Manchester’s vibrant cultural scene.

“We looking forward to working with him as we approach the 21st anniversary of the Hall’s opening.”

Bolt, who took on the role in March, replaces former Chief Executive Nick Reed, who left last December to take up a new role with Birmingham’s Town Hall and Symphony Hall.

The SMG managed 2,300 capacity venue is Manchester’s international concert venue and home to three resident orchestras: the Hallé, the BBC Philharmonic and Manchester Camerata. The Hall also programs its own classical music season, the International Concert Series.

Forthcoming 2016 events include Ludovico Einaudi, Natalie Merchant, Gregory Porter, Tindersticks and Josh Grobin, followed by the Hall’s 21st anniversary celebrations next season.

SMG Europe is the largest operator of sports, entertainment, conference and exhibition venues in the UK and Europe. SMG Europe is a wholly owned subsidiary of leading venue managers SMG.

Manchester Concert Hall Ltd (MCHL) is the independent charitable trust responsible for The Bridgewater Hall, on behalf of Manchester City Council.

Images (from top): Andrew Bolt and The Bridgewater Hall, interior and exterior.

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