Meet The Team

From every note, performance and initiative, it is the team and trustees at Hastings International Piano who make it all happen.
Bringing together a mix of creative vision, strategic thinking and a deep passion for music and community building. Each person plays a key role in shaping what we do.

A woman wearing glasses and a black velvet jacket, smiling.
Five evenly spaced circles on two horizontal lines forming a minimalist design.

Professor Vanessa Latarche

Artistic Director

A world- renowned piano pedagogue and pianist, with many international competition prize-winners amongst her students, Vanessa has been Artistic Director and president of the jury for Hastings International Piano since 2021.

  • Sarah Coop

    Development Director

    Sarah is a professional fundraiser with 15 years as Development Director at Artichoke, where she secured funding for large-scale outdoor art projects, each averaging £4m.

    Show More

  • Smiling woman with glasses standing against a textured wall.

    Nicky Webb

    Communications Director

    Nicky is a creative producer, communications consultant, and project manager. She has held a variety of senior roles in arts organisations, including Head of Communications for Glyndebourne

    Show More

  • Man smiling indoors near a laptop, wearing a red lanyard, with windows in the background.

    Ian Brignall

    Concerts Director

    Born in Hastings, Ian started learning the violin aged 10 and went to Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester. After studying at Dartington College of Arts and the National Centre for Orchestra Studies

    Show More

  • Person wearing a black jacket with gold floral patterns and a necklace with the words "SHE WILL."

    Abby-Lee Widger DChA

    Finance Director

    Abby is a Finance Director with over 25 years of experience, holding the ICAEW's Diploma in Charity Accounting, recognising her extensive experience within the charity sector.

    Show More

  • Woman in black outfit standing in front of textured wall.

    Rosa Amor

    Learning and Development Coordinator

    Rosa has a psychology degree from the University of Bristol where she specialised in behaviour change and how social psychology can be used to help solve contemporary issues.

    Show More

  • Smiling woman with blond hair wearing a red lace top, standing in front of green foliage.

    Chloe Edwards-Wood

    Social Media and Communications Coordinator

    Chloe founded Give a Song CIC in 2020. Under her lead, the organisation received widespread coverage including a 5 minute documentary on Morning Live, BBC1

    Show More

  • Smiling woman with glasses and gray hair in a polka dot blouse.

    Mimi Scott

    Friends and Patrons Coordinator

    After a 25-year career in nursing at the Conquest Hospital, specialising in Child Development, Mimi retired 6 years ago. She sang for many years with the Hastings Philharmonic Choir

    Show More

  • A man in a suit with a red tie standing against a textured gray background.

    Martin Griffiths

    Piano Desk Coordinator

    Martin has been volunteering with HIP since 2017. As Piano Desk Coordinator for the competition, he arranges for competitors to practice on pianos in private houses in and around Hastings

    Show More

  • Sarah looking at the camera with a warm smile

    Sarah Searle

    Alumni Coordinator 

    Sarah has had a career in nursing, health, education and hospitality management. After taking early retirement, she joined the team at HIP in 2024, after following the organisation for several years.

    Show More

A geometric design featuring a diagonal line and right angle in beige on a black background.

Our Trustees

Woman in a black top with puffed sleeves, wearing hoop earrings, standing against a textured wall.

Chair

Sarah Kowitz DL

Born and educated in London, Sarah trained as a reporter in Sussex and worked as a subeditor in print journalism before settling to raise a family. She lived and worked in Asia and America for over ten years and since returning to the UK has been an active supporter of various charities supporting the arts, education, and horticulture.  She is a trustee of Hastings International Piano, the Rye Art Gallery,

  • A man wearing large black glasses and a dark scarf against a textured wall backdrop.

    Terry Adams

    More than 20 years of experience in senior roles within the arts, cultural, and creative industries. A proven track record in delivering project management and business development support

    Show More

  • Diahann Brown

    Diahann has spent more than 10 years running The Rhythm Studio Foundation, a west London youth music charity providing music tuition and performance opportunities for underprivileged young people.

    Show More

  • A woman smiling wearing glasses and shoulder length hair

    Sarah Hopwood

    A qualified chartered accountant, Sarah is an experienced business leader and CFO with extensive experience in financial services, media and entertainment, family businesses, education and the arts. 

    Show More

  • Elderly man in glasses wearing a gray sweater and white shirt standing in front of a wooden wall.

    Alistair Keith

    Alistair has lived in the South East of England all his life. His interest in classical music began as a child when his dad gave him a second-hand Danzette record player and an old recording of Beethoven's Emperor piano concerto.

    Show More

  • A person wearing a wide-brimmed hat and glasses, smiling at the camera, with a body of water in the background.

    Johnathan Martin

    Jonathan Marten studied organ, piano and orchestral conducting at the Royal College of Music. He was Director of Music at a Hastings School and Bexhill Parish Church where he re-established an ‘all male’ choral tradition.

    Show More

  • Man wearing glasses, a pink shirt, and dark blazer standing against a textured gray background.

    Charles Strickland

    Charles was born in the Old Town of Hastings and since the age of three has lived in St.Leonards- on-Sea. He completed a music degree at City University, London, and began his working life at Glyndebourne Opera.

    Show More

  • Elderly man in formal attire, wearing a black tuxedo and paisley bow tie, smiling against a neutral background.

    Dr Richard Wray

    Dr Richard Wray trained as a Consultant Cardiologist and General Physician and worked for many years mainly in Hastings and at King’s College Hospital in London. He held many teaching and training roles within the medical field.  

    Show More

  • A woman with blonde hair, wearing a black jacket and red blouse, smiles at the camera. She accessorizes with a pearl necklace and a heart-shaped pendant.

    Jenny Yeo

    Born and educated in Cheshire, Jenny studied in Manchester and London as a Speech Therapist specialising in young children, where music was an important part of their learning. 

    Show More