News

Harriet Harman MP officially took up the unpaid post of Chair of the Board of Governors of Trinity Laban on 1 July, taking over from Lord David Lipsey.  

An avid opera-goer and dance enthusiast, Harriet Harman obtained a degree in Politics from York University and qualified as a solicitor. She was first elected MP for Peckham (now Camberwell and Peckham) in 1982 and has represented this diverse inner-city constituency in the London Borough of Southwark for 35 years. She has held numerous offices of state – including Solicitor General, Leader of the House of Commons, Secretary of State for Equalities and Minister for Women – and has served as Deputy Leader and Chair of the Labour Party. From 2011 to 2015 was Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.

On her new role at Trinity Laban, Harriet commented –

“I’m honoured to be joining the board as Chair of Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance – London’s creative conservatoire.

Trinity Laban is at the heart of a vibrant and diverse community, and is determined to reach out and engage with all aspects of the modern world. It’s vital that talented performers, in the UK and internationally, get their chance to achieve their full potential. Trinity Laban manages to reach out to a particularly diverse group of young people, the great majority of whom went to state rather than private schools.

Trinity Laban has constantly innovated, whether in sacred music, dance science, musical theatre or jazz, and is at the cutting edge of artistic development. To be a musician or a dancer demands superhuman commitment from young people and Trinity Laban is there to back them up by providing world-leading teaching, support and performance opportunities. I look forward to working with the students, staff and my fellow board members to build on its longstanding achievements.”

Harriet takes over as Chair from Lord Lipsey, who stepped down at the end of June after 5 years in the role. Principal of Trinity Laban, Professor Anthony Bowne, commented –

“On behalf of the entire Trinity Laban family, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to Lord Lipsey. As Chair, he played a huge role in stewarding us through some notable achievements – such as gaining our own degree awarding powers – while speaking up on behalf of performing artists, and securing some wonderful performing opportunities for our students.

I’m now thrilled to be welcoming Harriet Harman MP to Trinity Laban. She shares our passion for music and dance and our commitment to provide opportunities for all, and commands a deep respect from across the political spectrum. These are exciting times for Trinity Laban, as we plan to introduce major improvements to our estate, and to develop innovative new programmes for the 21^st century. I’m thrilled at the prospect of working with Harriet to continue to provide world-class training for the artistic leaders of the future.”