Page 528 - Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Coverage Book 2023-24

was in theatre and concert hall management, including several years as
director of the presenting theatre and concert hall, The Hexagon.

Here he programmed across several artforms including orchestral and

popular music, theatre, opera, and dance. He also led the establishment in

Reading of the UK's major annual world music festival, the WOMAD Festival,

in partnership with the WOMAD organisation, and the renovation and
reopening of the 19th century Reading Concert Hall.

Mr Eakin was a member of the National Council of Arts Council England

between 2018 and 2022 and is chair of the Liverpool City Region Music Board.
He was the Liverpool City Region Cultural Leader of the Year, overall

Leader of the Year the Liverpool Daily Post Leader Awards 2013, and winner

of the Association of British Orchestras Concert Hall Manager of the Year

award in 2015. He also was awarded an honorary degree by the University of
Liverpool in 2022 in recognition of his contribution to arts and culture in

Liverpool.

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic chair of the board, Louise Shepherd, said: "On

behalf of the board, staff members, musicians and friends of Liverpool
Philharmonic, I want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Michael. His

unwavering dedication and exceptional leadership has been pivotal to the

continued success and growth of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society
and Orchestra.

"Through his outstanding work to foster community engagement and expand

music educational programs and opportunities for children and young people

across the City Region, coupled with further elevating the Royal Liverpool

Philharmonic's recognition as one of the world’s leading orchestras, Michael
has played a crucial role in shaping the society as one of the UK’s leading

cultural institutions."