National Concert Hall director to pass the baton on

THE DIRECTOR of the National Concert Hall, Judith Woodworth, is to step down at the end of this year.

Announcing her decision yesterday, Ms Woodworth said the time was “right for me to pass the baton on after nearly two decades in the position”. She has recently undergone treatment for breast cancer.

Reacting to the announcement, chairman of the National Concert Hall David Byrne said: “Under Judith’s direction, the hall is now regarded as one of the top concert halls in Europe, expanding and growing audiences to record capacities.”

Following 18 years in the role, Ms Woodworth, who is also a governor of The Irish Times Trust, is credited with having broadened the range of music performed in the National Concert Hall, as well as the number of concerts by some of the world’s leading musicians.

She also extensively developed the organisation’s education and outreach programmes.

Minister for Culture Mary Hanafin emphasised Ms Woodworth’s role in creating “many opportunities for young Irish musicians”.

It is expected that the role of NCH director will be advertised in the coming weeks and that the position will be filled early in the new year.