Capital Theatres is thrilled to share the appointment of Dr Harry Brunjes as the new Chair of our Board, succeeding Professor Dame Joan Stringer.
As announced earlier this year, Professor Dame Joan Stringer retires in September following a remarkable 13-year tenure as Chair, helping Scotland’s largest theatre charity navigate a period of exceptional growth and unprecedented challenges. She leaves a legacy of strategic ambition and achievement encapsulated beautifully in the recent reopening of the newly redeveloped King’s Theatre in Edinburgh.
Dr Brunjes, who takes up the post from September, is the fourth Chair of Capital Theatres’ Board (formerly Festival City Theatres Trust) since the charity was established in 1991, incorporating Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre, King’s Theatre and Studio Theatre.
Harry has just finished a ten-year stint as Chair of English National Opera & London Coliseum, successfully steering the organisation through a challenging period in terms of public funding. His leadership ensured that the London Coliseum continues to serve as the cornerstone of ENO’s artistic and operational activities, with the company shaping its future in both London and Manchester.
“I am absolutely delighted to be joining Capital Theatres as Chair. Festival Theatre, King’s Theatre and Studio Theatre are three extraordinary venues with a national reputation for artistic excellence, community engagement and artist support, and they play a vital role in the cultural life of Edinburgh, Scotland and beyond. The opportunity to support the organisation as it enters its next chapter is one I am hugely excited about. I have long-standing personal and professional connections with Scotland and have spent many happy years visiting and performing in Edinburgh. The city's unique place at the heart of international culture makes Capital Theatres an especially exciting organisation to be part of.”Dr Harry Brunjes, Chair of Capital Theatres Board
Alongside his leadership in the arts, Harry qualified as a doctor at Guys Hospital and spent 14 years working in clinical medicine before founding Premier Medical Group. He has a proven track record in governance, strategic transformation, acquisitions and stakeholder engagement, alongside expertise in fundraising and capital project delivery.
A professional pianist and performer, Harry also created a play Dial Medicine for Murder, which has been performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and toured nationally and internationally. Harry’s deep roots in the performing arts originate from his father, also a Harry Brunjes, who performed in popular 1950s musical trio the Singing Scott Brothers. Harry is married to Jacquie Brunjes, a choreographer, performer, trustee of Sir Matthew Bourne’s dance-theatre company New Adventures and Chair of All England Dance. Together they have four children, including his daughter Emma Brunjes, Executive Director of the Edinburgh Comedy Awards.
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Harry as our new Chair. He brings a unique breadth of experience to Capital Theatres, blending a strong understanding of the performing arts sector from the perspective of a major arts leader, and as a performer and lifelong theatre enthusiast. Combined with his experience in medicine, education and organisational leadership, this gives him a particularly valuable perspective as Capital Theatres enters its next chapter.”Fiona Gibson, Chief Executive
Thank you, Joan
Harry succeeds Professor Dame Joan Stringer, who steps down in September following an exceptional 13-year tenure as Chair.
Joan has led Capital Theatres through a period of significant growth and unprecedented challenges, helping to shape the organisation’s strategic ambition and its future as Scotland’s largest theatre charity.
Her tenure has included the recently completed redevelopment of the King’s Theatre – a landmark achievement and an important part of her legacy.
“I would like to thank Joan for her exceptional contribution during her 13 years’ service as Chair. Her unwavering commitment to our people, our audiences and our buildings has ensured that Capital Theatres not only thrives today but is ready to jump with confidence into our next exciting chapter. Joan leaves an extraordinary legacy, and we will always be profoundly grateful for her leadership, dedication and vision.”Fiona Gibson, Chief Executive
Welcome back to the King's!
Capital Theatres launches the search for a new Chair of its Board
