As OMF steps into its 6th year and exciting new long-term plans for the future, we are thrilled to introduce the newest members of the OMF Family - trustees Aziz Ibrahim, Suki Pardesi and Yana Eskandari; and Musical Director, Michelle Robinson. Aziz, Suki, Yana and Michelle share their reasons for joining the OMF, as well as some of their foremost musical memories...
Dr Aziz Ibrahim, h.c. - Trustee
Guitarist Aziz Ibrahim is a composer, creative producer, label manager, curator & speaker. He has worked with The Stone Roses, Paul Weller and Simply Red, amongst other celebrated artists. In 2018, Aziz was awarded 'Doctor of the Arts' honoris causa from University of Salford in recognition of his work in music and culture, and for his work with disadvantaged young people.
"I'm really excited to be part of an organisation that’s putting music education at the top of their priority list for multicultural kids and best of all based in my place of birth, Longsight M13".
"Whether I’ve benefited from pop chart success, performed in homeless shelters or in 150,000 capacity stadiums in Brazil, I’ve never forgotten my debt to family, friends, teachers & the Longsight Manchester council estate to which I was born, raised and reside".
Suki Pardesi - Trustee
Suki Pardesi is a PR Consultant specialising in Artist Development and European Promotion, whose previous clients include Bob Dylan, Beyoncé and Aerosmith amongst many others. In addition to running her own PR company, Celebtronic, Suki is a tutor on the Pop Music course at RNCM.
“I believe passionately that all children whatever their background should have access to experiencing the wonders of the world of music. I’m so excited to find an organisation like OMF that gives them these valuable opportunities.”
“Working with legendary musicians such as David Bowie was an exceptional experience and his live performances captivated me. The experience showed me that the power of music breaks down all barriers and has the ability of bonding people together from whichever culture or background they may have”.
Yana Eskandari - Trustee
Yana Eskandari is the Vice President of Barclays International and has a career spanning over 20 years in the financial services industry. A Chartered Certified Accountant, Yana also holds MA in European Literature and Linguistics from Moscow University.
"Having grown up in an operatic family, I am privileged to have had contact with the world of music from a very young age and experienced firsthand the power of arts in breaking boundaries and uniting people. I am passionate about raising accessibility of music and delighted to support OMF in developing long-term business strategy and growth".
"My first memory of musical experience – when I was 4 my dad took me to see my first opera “The Tsar’s Bride” by Rimsky-Korsakov. I was mesmerized and sat through all 4 acts in awe of the power of the orchestra and voices, amazing music, and costumes. This was the beginning of a lifelong love affair with Opera and music."
Michelle Robinson - Musical Director, Children's Voices
Choral conductor, Michelle Robinson joins the OMF from the Hallé Orchestra, where she is the Assistant Director of the Hallé Children’s Choir and Choral Academy. In addition to delivering singing projects and workshops across the country, Michelle is also the Director of award-winning female voice choir, Meraki.
"I’m excited to work with Olympias Music Foundation because I believe that all children (and adults) should have access to high-quality and inspiring music making. OMF do this in an imaginative and inclusive way in which the needs of the children are put at the centre of what they do. I can’t wait to meet everyone involved in OMF and Children’s Voices".
"My first musical experience was playing ‘Sarah’ in the musical ‘Guys and Dolls’ in High School, I absolutely loved every minute of it, and knew from that moment that whatever I did in my future, it would have to involve a stage!"
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