Simon Fletcher, General Manager

Simon’s first tour with the COE was during the summer of 1986 as assistant tour manager and librarian primarily to prepare and edit the orchestral parts for Claudio Abbado. He joined the orchestra as Assistant General Manager shortly afterwards, moving on to the position of Planning and Personnel Manager before becoming General Manager from January 2007.

“My first work for the COE was shortly after it was founded and I had not yet heard the orchestra perform. From my very first moments with the group I was totally captivated and excited, not only by the musicians’ outstanding music making but by the spirit and idealism that I very much shared and that was immediately obvious. It is my strong belief and appreciation for the COE that motivates me to this day and has kept me dedicated to and part of this very special European musical community.”

Simon studied music at York University graduating in 1984 before joining the  Advanced Solo Studies course on ‘cello at the Royal Northern College of Music that autumn. Rather than ending his year of studies as principal cello of the college chamber orchestra on tour to the south of France he asked to be the tour manager instead and there after started his career in arts management.