Testimonials
Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra & Chorale
“Will Norris provided Philharmonia Baroque with extremely valuable consulting in our recent Music Director search. Will's guidance ensured that we underwent a thorough search process that captured and balanced feedback from all of our stakeholder groups. His experience leading major arts organizations and his connections to leading artists around the world elevated our search process immensely. Thanks to Will, we were able to identify, attract, and evaluate many of the most exciting conductors in the world, and we are extremely satisfied with the resulting appointment of Peter Whelan as our next Music Director. “
Isaac Bunch, General Manager, Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra & Chorale
Glasshouse International Centre for Music
“Working with Will never feels like working with a supplier – he’s part of the team. He brings brilliant insight into audiences and the music world, supports us with good humour and clarity, and helps us push our marketing and sales further. A total joy to work with.”
Patrick Ratliff, Director of Marketing and Sales, The Glasshouse
Southbank Centre
“Working with Will Norris is an absolute pleasure! He produced our Multitudes programme, which was specifically designed to introduce classical music to new audiences. Will possesses a rare combination: he not only has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the art form but, crucially, he understands audience development, and how to speak effectively to both long-time music enthusiasts and those attending for the very first time.”
Michael Fowler, Marketing Manager, Southbank Centre
Daylight Music / Arctic Circle
“I’ve found Will to have an uncanny knack for unravelling and rebuilding our relationship with (Classical) Music. I think there is no one better to understand what we need and deserve as an audience”
Ben Eshmade, Arctic Circle
Philharmonia Orchestra
“Will has been an incredible support to me and the team, working across a wide range of activities and campaigns – from social media initiatives to audience development. His extensive experience and strong industry connections mean he quickly understands what’s needed and where the opportunities lie, consistently delivering excellent results. I have huge trust and respect for Will and would highly recommend him to anyone looking for expert support.”
Rebekah Holloway, Director of Marketing and Communications, Philharmonia Orchestra
BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
“William came in to support the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra when our management team was awaiting the start of a new permanent artistic planner. He made a very creative contribution to devising events in the orchestra’s 90th birthday season, all of which have been a great success with our audiences.
Dominic Parker, Director, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
More Testimonials
European Union Youth Orchestra
“During this year’s Summer Digital Residency, EUYO musicians enjoyed an online workshop with William Norris. He shared his wisdom on anything to do with online communication; from a musician’s Social Media presence, audience and follower engagement to spreading the word about upcoming projects; and all that in a fun and captivating way that really grabbed the musician’s attention. We definitely recommend.”
Lisa Wagner, EUYO Communications and Digital Manager
Southbank Sinfonia
“Will’s original approach to programming and audience development, combined with a wealth of experience in strategic planning and development, are fantastic assets for any organisation – whether wanting to rethink their approach or steady the ship in these challenging times.”
Sarah Derbyshire, MBE, CEO, Orchestras Live and former trustee, Southbank Sinfonia
Southbank Sinfonia
“William Norris is hard working and an excellent creative and strategic thinker whose reports are always clearly and succinctly presented. He has a wealth of experience as a senior manager in the creative arts in which sector he has an extensive network of influential and international contacts. As Co-Chairman of Southbank Sinfonia I found him to be an entirely reliable and collaborative colleague who was quick to assess, and react positively to, changing and frequently difficult and sensitive situations. I have total confidence in him for delivering, unassumingly but confidently, whatever he is asked for.”
Prof. Peter Toyne, CBE, former Co-Chair, Southbank Sinfonia
Brighton Early Music Festival
“It’s always a pleasure to hear Will talk about arts marketing or read his content online. He has a natural way of making marketing approachable for non marketing professionals, and the ideas he offers are rarely dependent on huge budgets. He ran a hugely useful session for our BREMF Live! young artist scheme participants a few years ago and I was hugely impressed with the way he adapted his suggestions and tips for use by small ensembles and individual musicians.”
Cathy Boyes, Festival Producer, Brighton Early Music Festival