Sonia is Bristol based and had an NHS management career which led her to South Wales, London, Swindon, Oxfordshire and back to Bristol.

Since retiring she has chaired the University of West England Board and has participated as trustee and Chair of several schools, including newly established primaries and secondary schools, and also charities providing housing and services for elderly people.

She is Vice Chair of Bristol Beacon, a premier venue providing music across all genres with a wide regional reach and an award winning music education remit. Her own musical interests are predominantly classical, choral and operatic.

She is interested in how arts organisations can reach and include all communities and ages, and how they particularly open up opportunity for younger people.

BSO has a long tradition of performance in Bristol which is strengthening after the redevelopment and reopening of Bristol Beacon and it is a firm and well appreciated staple of the concert programme.