Our new website is LIVE!

We are delighted to share with you the wonderful news that Michael Eakin has been made an OBE in the Kings New Year honours list. Michael has been Chief Executive of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic since 2008 and has led the organisation through significant developments. His knowledge, passion for music and dedicated leadership of the Liverpool Philharmonic team has overseen a £14m refurbishment of the Hall, sustained growth in audience numbers and in the breadth and ambition of both the Orchestra and Hall concert programmes, and the development of groundbreaking health and learning programmes which continue to benefit the local community. Michael has also held the wheel during difficult times with a steady hand, not least the historic pandemic disruption where, with no rule book or route to survival, he ensured the organisation re-emerged with great success. Michael joined Liverpool Philharmonic from Arts Council England, with whom he had been Executive Director North West since 2001. Throughout his career, Michael has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to the field of arts management. He was winner of the Association of British Orchestras Concert Hall Manager of the Year award in 2015, the Liverpool City Region Cultural Leader of the Year and overall Leader of the Year at the Liverpool Daily Post Leader Awards 2013. Michael was also awarded an Honorary Degree by the University of Liverpool in 2022 in recognition of his contribution to arts and culture in Liverpool. Michael’s commitment to promoting cultural enrichment and fostering a thriving artistic community has left an indelible mark on the industry he has served and on the City of Liverpool. He is a former Chair of the Association of British Orchestras, a former Vice President of the Theatrical Management Association (now UK Theatre), 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. Michael has always championed the staff and musicians at Liverpool Philharmonic and we are delighted to congratulate him on this achievement and much-deserved recognition. photo credit: Gareth Jones