The Ulster Orchestra has appointed David Fisk, (33), as chief executive writes Michael Dervan. Currently the manager of the Orchestra of St John's, Smith Square, in London, Fisk has previously worked with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra (artistic consultant), Yorkshire Sculpture Park (director of development) and was behind the award-winning Manchester International Festival of Expressionism in 1992. He voices a strong commitment to the work of living composers, as well as community and education work, and his track record with the Orchestra of St John's, Smith Square bears the stamp of these concerns.

Fisk will surely be glad to note the Ulster Orchestra's performance last week when, in head-to-head competition with the Stuttgart Philharmonic at the Waterfront Hall, the orchestra attracted an audience of 1,100 to the Ulster Hall. The Waterfront attendance was just under 1,300. So much for the audience crisis facing orchestras. Fisk will take up his new post on May 19th after the current incumbent, Michael Henson, moves back to England to become managing director of the Bournemouth Orchestras.