Cellist Abel Selaocoe becomes a new Ambassador and Abbey Road Studios MD Isabel Garvey joins the charity's Board of Trustees

30 August 2022 - Press release

 

• The two inspiring musical innovators join Help Musicians to grow the charity's reach and impact across the UK 
• The appointments will support the organisation's mission to make a meaningful difference to the lives and careers of musicians in the years ahead 

Help Musicians, the 101-year-old charity for musicians across the UK, has welcomed talented, multi-genre cellist Abel Selaocoe to its growing roster of ambassadors. And Isabel Garvey, the highly-respected Managing Director of Abbey Road Studios, has joined the charity's Board of Trustees.   

The pair join the charity in their respective advocacy and governance roles at a crucial time for musicians as they try to rebuild their careers post-pandemic whilst battling the rising costs and barriers that all musicians face. Abel's first-hand experience of building a career as a musician and Isabel's significant experience in environments where creative, technology and business come together will add significant value to the work of the charity.  

Celebrated South African cellist Abel Selacoe has been an authentic advocate for Help Musicians for many years. His relationship with the charity began in 2015 when he received financial support to continue his musical studies. Since then, Manchester-based Abel has built a hugely respected career, making his solo BBC Proms debut last year and readying the release of his debut album next month. His unique style moves seamlessly across a plethora of genres, from collaborations with world musicians and beatboxers, to concerto performances and solo classical recitals. Abel joins the likes of Bryan Adams, Susan Bullock, Chris Difford, Isata Kanneh-Mason, Sir Simon Rattle and more as champions of the charity's impact on musicians in the UK. 

Isabel Garvey's ability to harness digital possibilities and encourage tech-first thinking to the benefit of musicians is evident across the breadth of her career. At Abbey Road Studios she has been responsible for launching Europe's first music technology incubator, Abbey Road Red, to huge success. Her drive to invest in the next generation of musicians and music saw her lead the launch of Abbey Road Institute as well as implement the largest investment in the Studios since opening in 1931, encompassing the build of three new studio spaces. As the Studios turn 90, she continues to drive investment in the future with the addition of Angel Studios to the portfolio and the acquisition of remote collaboration digital platform, Audiomovers. Having also worked in several major labels, Isabel's vast working knowledge of the landscape for musicians will be instrumental to guiding Help Musicians' plans to grow reach and engagement even further.  

James Ainscough, Chief Executive at Help Musicians, said: "Abel and Isabel are two of the very best in their respective fields. With very different backgrounds and careers, they both understand how to harness the power of music to delight and unite audiences the world over. Abel's understanding of the dedication it takes to build a sustainable career in the profession (and the value of the support that Help Musicians offers), makes him an ideal ambassador for the charity's work. Isabel's extensive experience supporting creatives to achieve their musical vision in harmony with highly skilled technicians and cutting-edge technology is invaluable. Both have strong track-records in opening up music and careers in music to an increasingly diverse array of music-lovers and we are honoured to have Isabel and Abel with us as we continue to help musicians to recover and rebuild after the pandemic." 

Abel Selacoe said: "It is a great privilege to be an Ambassador for Help Musicians. They play a life-changing role in many musicians' lives including mine. They create a nurturing environment for artists allowing them to learn about all aspects to help build a healthy career. Let's keep supporting." 

Isabel Garvey said: "At Abbey Road, I have the privilege of working at the heart of the creative process, surrounded by musicians. The enormity of their talent, the precarious nature of fame and the challenges faced by the gigging musician and artist are in front of my eyes every day.  Help Musicians plays a vital role through all stages of the musician's career, so I am excited to join as a Trustee to support the next phase of their evolution and help spread the word about their wonderful work."