Multi-award-winning musician, composer, and producer Orphy Robinson MBE will be the next chair of The Piece Hall Trust.
Robinson, who has worked with stars like Courtney Pine, Mica Paris, Gregory Porter and Nigel Kennedy has a background in music, events and large-scale education projects.
He currently serves as Deputy Chair of The Ivors Academy, where he chairs the prestigious Ivor Novello Awards Committee and has represented the UK as a trustee of the 28-nation European Composer and Songwriters Alliance (ECSA).
He has been involved with several other key organisations, including the National Jazz Archives, the UK Jazz Promotion Network, the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, and Black Lives in Music. In 2024, Robinson was appointed as a Governor of the Royal Society of Musicians and he is a Visiting Fellow at Jesus College, Cambridge University.
As a musician he plays vibraphone, keyboards, saxophone, trumpet, piano, marimba, steelpans and drums and has released two highly acclaimed solo albums. He is one of a select few UK musicians ever signed to the iconic USA jazz label Blue Note and has appeared on over 100 recordings as a respected session artist and soloist across a wide range of genres, collaborating with acclaimed artists worldwide.
He has written music for television, film and theatre and been involved in high-profile composition projects including pieces for The Proms at the Royal Albert Hall, Leeds based Phoenix Dance company, and a work to celebrate the bicentenary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act.
He takes over from outgoing chair Sir Roger Marsh OBE DL on Wednesday 26 February 2025.
Chair of The Piece Hall Trust Orphy Robinson MBE said: “It is an immense honour to be appointed Chair of The Piece Hall Trust, a responsibility I accept with enthusiasm, humility, and a strong sense of purpose.
“Our new Board will embrace fresh perspectives and innovative initiatives that resonate with today’s audiences. Together, we will enhance accessibility, expand our reach, and ensure this venue continues to be a beacon of artistic expression and cultural exchange.
“Looking ahead, the world is ever evolving, so we too must adapt to meet the needs of the communities we serve. The Piece Hall is a symbol of creativity, collaboration, inspiration and hope for the local communities of Halifax, and it is our responsibility to ensure and enhance its continued success for generations to come.
“I would like to take a moment to personally thank Sir Roger Marsh OBE DL, for his leadership, guidance and vision, alongside CEO Nicky Chance-Thompson MBE DL, and our dedicated trustees and staff. His and their tireless efforts have been instrumental in shaping The Piece Hall into the world class venue and centre that we know today.”
Sir Roger Marsh has been Chair of The Piece Hall Trust since the building reopened after an extensive transformation in 2017 where he has successfully ensured The Piece Hall delivered on its promise to be the major catalyst for regeneration in Halifax and the wider Calderdale borough.
During his tenure the unique heritage site has welcomed 17 million visitors, developed an outstanding arts, culture and community events programme, been described as an exemplar business model, an example of “Levelling Up” in action and become world renowned as an outstanding music venue.
Sir Roger Marsh OBE DL said: “It has been an enormous honour and privilege to chair a board of such passion and skill and I thank every single Trustee who has given their support, commitment and expertise over the years as together we reimagined this historic building and transformed heritage into currency.”
“My grateful thanks to Nicky Chance-Thompson and her excellent team who work tirelessly making the dream a sustained reality, bringing so many benefits to the town, borough and wider north.
“Also, my personal thanks to Calderdale Council, its leaders past and present and executive teams for all their support and having the vision and the courage to recognise this precious building’s potential and allowing us to fulfil it. Additionally, thanks to those other important stakeholders such as Historic England and National Lottery Heritage Fund.”
“We’re so very lucky to have this unique asset of such global importance right on our doorstep and I’m incredibly proud to have played a role in making sure it continues to bring joy and peace for generations to come. Finally, I send my warmest wishes to incoming Chair Orphy Robinson MBE who I know will oversee The Piece Hall’s continued ascendence with drive, creativity, flair and dedication.”
CEO of The Piece Hall Trust Nicky Chance-Thomspon MBE DL said: “My sincere thanks to Sir Roger who has overseen some huge challenges and changes here at The Piece Hall and leaves it in the strong position we are in today. I thank him for his knowledge, wisdom and wise counsel, but also for his faith and belief in myself and the team which has allowed us to transform The Piece Hall into the world-renowned venue and heritage site it is today.
“While The Piece Hall’s star is in ascendance, there is still so much to do, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to be welcoming Orphy Robinson MBE as our new chair whose extensive experience, knowledge, and advocacy have earned him some prestigious cultural leadership roles. He brings with him a passion, vision and creativity which I know will help us reach even headier heights. I’m incredibly excited for next chapter.”
Calderdale Council’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Scott Patient, said:
“I’d like to welcome Orphy Robinson in his role as the new Chair of The Piece Hall Trust. Orphy’s vast experience and knowledge of the music industry is a perfect fit for The Piece Hall and its position as an international cultural, heritage and music destination.
“Although we are entering the last few months of our Year of Culture, we want the CultureDale legacy to continue. We will work with the new Chair to continue our close partnership with The Piece Hall, celebrating the borough’s rich history, incredible people, creativity, entrepreneurship, and talent.
“I’d also like to extend my thanks to Sir Roger Marsh, for his many years of service as Chair. His leadership experience and passion for the role have been invaluable and have contributed to The Piece Hall’s continued success and wider recognition as a cultural venue on the national and world map.”