Jazz FM Chairman Richard Wheatly appointed Chair of Trustees for NYJC

The National Youth Jazz Collective has appointed Jazz FM Chairman and Love Supreme Festival Director Richard Wheatly as their new chair of Trustees.

Since its launch in 2006 NYJC has supported the creative and educational needs of young jazz musicians whether beginner or emerging professional. Through a series of rolling regional programmes across the country, guidance is given on jazz performance in collaboration with world class musicians including the organisation’s President, British bass player Dave Holland.

On being appointed Chair Richard Whealty said, “It’s a wonderful organisation that plays an important role in finding and inspiring the jazz talent of tomorrow. I think they have done a terrific job developing a strong regional network which organises workshops, master-classes and gigs, giving young musicians access to the kind of jazz opportunities that they have never had access to before.”

“I’m looking forward to working with NYJC’s founding Artistic Director and CEO, Issie Barratt. She has been a visionary in the field of jazz for the young and has achieved almost the unachievable. I hope I can help her realise the ambitious plans that she and Martin Kemp, the retiring Chair, have developed for the organisation”

Richard takes up his additional new role with a background in performance arts and as the driving force behind the re-emergence of Jazz FM, one of British radio’s strongest brands. The station relaunched on DAB digital radio and online in 2008. He still presents his own programme every Sunday night at midnight and is an enthusiastic and passionate jazz fan. Richard’s presence and experience also presides over the hugely successful Love Supreme Jazz Festival. Now building a programme for the third year it’s the UK’s only self contained green field jazz festival, located in the grounds of Glynde Place near Brighton.

On Richard Wheatly’s appointment, NYJC founding Artistic Director and CEO Issie Barratt says, “I’m thrilled that Richard is going to be chair of NYJC’s Board of Trustees – I knew from the first moment we talked about the role that Richard was the man for the job! His deep love and understanding of the music, strong desire to make the music more accessible and his immense entrepreneurial expertise – as Chair of Jazz FM and Director of both the Love Supreme Festival and BIMM music colleges – compliment the collective’s mission and future ambitions beautifully.”

“It’s definitely a partnership of kindred spirits whose collective skills and desire to celebrate the music and support the nation’s future generations of young jazz musicians are destined to increase NYJC’s impact and reach. I know everyone at NYJC is thoroughly excited about working with Richard, as we embark on our journey as one of Arts Council England’s newest National Portfolio Organisations (April 2015). We’re going to make a wonderful team!” 

For more information on the National Youth Jazz Collective click here.