In a surprise announcement the Principal of the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama is to step down from the role next year to take up the position of President of Trinity College, Oxford.
Hilary Boulding will become the first female President in the 462-year history of the Oxford College when she succeeds Sir Ivor Roberts on 1st August 2017.
Ms Boulding said: “It is a great honour to have been offered this important position at one of the leading colleges of Oxford University. Trinity is well placed to build on its significant achievements during the Presidency of Sir Ivor Roberts and I look forward to playing a full part in its future development”.
During her 10-year tenure as Principal of Wales’s National Conservatoire, Hilary Boulding, who is also Chair of Conservatoires UK, oversaw a £22.5 million capital development to provide the Conservatoire with a landmark building housing state-of-the-art rehearsal and performance spaces.
She added, “It has been an enormous privilege to lead the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama since 2007. I am also immensely proud of all that the Royal Welsh College has achieved over the last decade to ensure that talented young people can benefit from world-class Conservatoire training in Wales.”
President of the College, Lord Rowe-Beddoe said: “During Hilary’s tenure the reputation of the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama has been substantially enhanced through her inspiring vision and leadership, as recognised in national league tables. Hilary will leave us with our warmest wishes and appreciation.”
Professor Julie Lydon, Vice Chancellor of the University of South Wales and Chief Executive of the USW Group said: “Hilary has made a substantial contribution to the Royal Welsh College during her tenure as principal, and we will miss her contribution as a member of the USW Group’s senior team.
We are delighted to congratulate her on this prestigious appointment and wish her all the best in her future role. ”
Read about this arts platform – the independent arts website for Wales
http://www.asiw.co.uk/about-us/
That is a surprise but congratulations to Hilary Boulding.
I wonder who will be the next Principal?
Congratulations to Hilary Boulding. Our experience is of a caring Principle who went the extra mile Heart felt thanks. The Hartwell Family
Hilary has been a fantastic asset for the College and Wales. Delighted by the appointment, but sad to be losing someone so amazing. Good luck and come back soon Hilary!
Huge congratulations to Hilary on breaking through another glass ceiling. She will be very much missed at the College, but her legacy is clear to see. We wish her every future success.
I was not a fan I’m afraid.