New chair elected for Ivors Academy Trust

The board of The Ivors Academy Trust has elected MICHELLE ESCOFFERY as its chair.

A singer-songwriter, educator and co-owner of production company 528 Music Global, Escoffery is also president of the PRS for Music Members’ Council, a trustee of the PRS Foundation and sits on the Industry Advisory Board for the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance.

LUCY FRANCIS, vice-chair of the Ivors Academy Trust, which helps songwriters and composers overcome professional barriers, said: “Michelle is an inspiration to all those around her, and her leadership has already proven essential in helping achieve our goals and enter a new phase of development.”

Escoffery added: “It is one of the greatest honours to be able to support and empower emerging songwriters and composers. In this role, as in everything I do, I am committed to helping increase access to learning and opportunities so everyone, regardless of background, can enjoy the craft of creating music and develop a fulfilling, lifelong career.”