RSM People: Orphy Robinson MBE and Carl Jackson MVO

We’re delighted to announce the election of acclaimed jazz percussionist Orphy Robinson MBE and re-election of Carl Jackson MVO, organist and Director of Music, Chapel Royal, Hampton Court Palace, to our Board of Governors.

Orphy Robinson is a highly acclaimed, multi-award-winning musician specialising in tuned percussion. With a distinguished career spanning over four decades, he has contributed to more than 100 recordings, earning widespread recognition for his exceptional artistry. Among his many accolades are Jazz FM’s 2017 Live Performance of the Year and the prestigious 2020 Gold Award. Notably, Orphy is one of the few UK musicians to have recorded for the legendary jazz label Blue Note. 

In 2018, he was honoured with an MBE for his services to music, and in 2024, he was appointed a Visiting Fellow at Jesus College, Cambridge University—a testament to his enduring influence and contributions in the field.

In 2022 Robinson was appointed the Deputy Chair of the Ivors Academy formerly known as Basca, Currently also serving as a trustee with the National Jazz Archives as well the respected advocacy and championing organisation Black Lives in Music. 

Speaking of his appointment, Orphy said: "I am deeply honoured and sincerely grateful for this appointment as a Governor of the esteemed Royal Society of Musicians. It is a privilege to join an institution with such a rich legacy of benevolence and dedication to the welfare of musicians, that celebrates their artistry. I look forward to collaborating with my fellow Governors to build upon the remarkable body of work already accomplished, which has firmly established the Society as a vital foundation for passionately supporting the ever-evolving ecosystem of musicians—their livelihoods, lives, and the invaluable knowledge and experience of the diverse voices, cultures, backgrounds, and musical genres championed within RSM’s membership. I hope to contribute to upholding and expanding the Society’s mission, ensuring its continued impact and relevance in fostering resilience, well-being, health, and creativity within the musical community, while staying true to its long-standing tradition of compassion and generosity."

Carl Jackson studied as a Junior Exhibitioner at the Royal Academy of Music and at Downing College, Cambridge where he held an organ scholarship. He obtained a postgraduate teaching certificate at Goldsmiths’ College (University of London) before embarking upon a thirty-six-year teaching career from which he retired in July 2018. He has been Director of Music of the Chapel Royal, Hampton Court Palace since 1996 and was appointed MVO in 2012. He is a past ISM section Warden and Regional Councillor, and spent thirteen years as a member of its Members’ Fund’s grant-making committee, three of them as Chair.

Speaking of his re-election, Carl said: "I am honoured to have been re-elected as a Governor of The Royal Society of Musicians. It is an organisation with a venerable history which has made remarkable strides recently in making itself known to the wider musical community, remaining ready to assist musicians of any discipline who, at any moment, may suddenly need assistance. I have been impressed with the dedication and professionalism of the staff and my fellow Governors in the pursuit of the Society’s objectives, and I look forward to working with them for a further period of office."

To find out more about Orphy, Carl and the rest of our Governors, meet the team here.