The Cumnock Tryst has appointed a new top dog ahead of its tenth festival celebrations.
The popular music festival draws in crowds from across the country to enjoy a range of classical experiences.
Founder Sir James MacMillan has this week welcomed David Lee as the festival's new General Manager.
David has enjoyed a multifaceted musical career as a professional singer, researcher and arts manager.
PICTURES: Fabulous Cumnock Tryst weekend hailed as 'something special'
He was formerly Head of Artistic Planning & Operations at Dunedin Consort, during which time the organisation won the Royal Philharmonic Society's Ensemble Prize.
He has most recently been a freelance consultant, working with various clients across the arts and corporate sectors.
Speaking about his appointment, David Lee said: “I'm thrilled to be joining The Cumnock Tryst as General Manager.
"James MacMillan's music has been a wellspring of inspiration for me since my teens, and I've admired the Tryst since its inception in 2014.
"It's particularly exciting to join ahead of the 10th festival, and work with James, Rufus and the Tryst team to build on the fantastic list of achievements delivered in recent years under Jennifer Martin's leadership.
"I'm looking forward to getting to know the local community and the festival's supporters, and collaborating with all our partners to further the Tryst's artistic vision and impact into its second decade.”
Tryst founder and artistic director Sir James MacMillan added: “It is with delight and excitement that I welcome our new General Manager to The Cumnock Tryst.
"David Lee is a multi-talented musician and artistic organiser with a huge range of experience here in Scotland and elsewhere. He arrives at an important moment for us as we celebrate our tenth birthday and consolidate our plans for the future.”
Jennifer Martin, who has been Chief Executive since 2019, announced her departure earlier this year.
However, due to a recent cancer diagnosis she has had to step back earlier than planned and will no longer be able to lead the festival through its 10th birthday celebrations this year.
James continued: “i want to extend my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for Jennifer Martin’s crucial stewardship of the Tryst these last few years.
"It was under her guidance that we were able to build on the initial vision of the organisation, with which she has been involved one way or another since its inception.
"It was wonderful to work with her in bringing such brilliant musicians to Cumnock.
"And it was with Jennifer’s leadership that The Tryst was able to embrace so many local people into our orbit of musical activities.
"The Musical Celebration of the Coalfields project was such an outstanding success because of her aspiration and skill in bringing it to fruition.”
The Cumnock Tryst marks its 10th birthday in 2024, with world-renowned talent sitting alongside local musicians in a bumper celebration taking place between October 2-6.
Tickets are on sale now and the programme is at www.thecumnocktryst.com.
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