National Concert Hall announces Nigel Flegg as new Chief Executive

The National Concert Hall has announced that Nigel Flegg, who is currently Head of Learning and Participation at the National Concert Hall, will succeed Robert Read as Chief Executive of the NCH from 1 February 2026. Mr Flegg has over 20 years’ senior experience across the music, education, and public sectors.

Maura McGrath, Chair of the National Concert Hall said: “Nigel brings a combination of creative vision, proven leadership and deep commitment to community engagement. His track record at the National Concert Hall, where he developed innovative programmes connecting music, education and wellbeing, demonstrates his ability to broaden our reach and impact while strengthening artistic excellence.”

Paying tribute to Robert Read, Ms. McGrath said: “Robert has served with distinction, leading Ireland’s home for music through one of the most significant periods of renewal in its history.  Under his leadership, the National Symphony Orchestra Ireland, and NCH Choirs successfully transferred from RTÉ, audiences were restored to record levels, and major new philanthropic and government commitments were secured.  Robert’s vision and determination have positioned the National Concert Hall as a financially resilient, artistically ambitious, and socially inclusive institution, laying the foundations for the landmark redevelopment.” 

Welcoming the appointment, the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, stated:  “I wish to congratulate Nigel Flegg and wish him the very best in his new role.  I know that Nigel will continue to build on the solid foundations laid by his predecessor to develop the National Concert Hall as a world-class centre for music.  Noting Nigel’s strong background in education and outreach, I look forward to seeing the further enhancement of programmes that increase access to our cultural offering for audiences across the country”.

Robert Read, outgoing CEO, National Concert Hall said: “It has been an honour to lead the NCH through a time of historic renewal – setting a new vision and values, strengthening the Orchestra and Choirs, growing and diversifying audiences, and advancing the redevelopment that will transform Ireland’s musical future.  None of this would have been possible without our incredible team, artists and audiences, to whom I am deeply grateful.  I am delighted to hand over to Nigel and wish him every success as he takes on the role of CEO in the new year”.

Speaking about the important role of the National Concert Hall in our cultural landscape, Nigel Flegg said: “I am honoured to take up the role of Chief Executive of the National Concert Hall at such a pivotal time as we progress landmark developments that will transform the campus for future generations. I am very grateful to Robert for the wonderful work he has done and I wish him the very best for the future. I am excited to work with our dedicated team, our artists and our audiences to ensure that the National Concert Hall continues to resonate as the beating heart of Ireland’s musical life.”

ENDS

Notes to the Editor

About Nigel Flegg

Nigel has over 20 years’ senior experience across the music, education, and public sectors. Since 2014, he has been a key member of the Senior Leadership Team at the NCH, where, as Head of Learning & Participation, he has shaped strategy, growth, and the organisation’s vision for inclusivity and artistic excellence. 

Before joining the NCH, Nigel was Director of Newpark Music Centre in Blackrock, Co. Dublin, where he developed Ireland’s first non-classical undergraduate music degree, the BA in Jazz Performance. Earlier in his career, Nigel was as a percussionist and drummer, working with leading Irish jazz musicians, Latin-American projects, the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, and touring internationally with Dead Can Dance. Nigel holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Management, and a BA in Spanish and Classics from Trinity College Dublin, and additional qualifications in jazz performance and business studies.