PRESS RELEASE EMBARGOED UNTIL 22:30 on 29 DECEMBER 2025
Janet Fischer, Chief Executive of Live Music Now, has been named in the King’s New Year Honours List.
Photo credit: Mariangela Quiroga Cantillo.
CEO of Live Music Now, Janet Fischer, receives an MBE in the New Year Honours List in recognition of her outstanding contribution to music, communities and social impact. The award is given for Janet’s tireless work on behalf of Live Music Now, a national charity dedicated to improving life outcomes through music and her work as Co-Chair of Intra Community Trust.
The honour acknowledges Janet’s national leadership of Live Music Now, where she has led a major organisational transformation. Janet’s work has positioned Live Music Now as a leading organisation at the intersection of music and social change. By embedding music within schools, healthcare settings and local communities, she has championed the role of the arts in improving life outcomes, while also creating vital professional opportunities for musicians throughout their careers.
Under Janet’s leadership, Live Music Now’s 300 professional musicians reach more than 65,000 people every year, delivering high-quality live music experiences to children and young people, older people, and those experiencing disadvantage. Her focus on impact, partnerships and sustainability has ensured that music is not only accessible but meaningful—supporting learning, wellbeing and connection across the UK.
Sir Vernon Ellis, Chair of Live Music Now, said:
“This honour recognises Janet’s dynamic leadership and the impact it’s having on thousands of lives across the UK. Everyone at Live Music Now congratulates her and looks forward to continuing to build on her many achievements in the years ahead.”
Alongside her national role, Janet’s contribution to place-based cultural development through the Intra Community Trust (formerly the Historic England High Streets Heritage Action Zone Cultural Consortium) reflects her belief in the power of culture to regenerate communities and improve quality of life.
Janet began her career as an operatic soprano, performing across the UK, Europe, Asia and North America, including two years in London’s West End. Named the Hildegard Behrens Foundation Global Humanitarian Entrepreneur of 2019, she brings together artistic excellence, strategic vision and a deep sense of public service. Her career also includes roles as CEO of Poet in the City, faculty at the Global Leaders Institute and long-standing volunteer with Crisis UK.
Dear Janet.
Absolutely thrilled and delighted to learn of your MBE for the incredible work you and your team do for ” Live Music Now”.
All my love and congratulations.
Roddy.
Tremendous honour, Janet! You deserve every bit of it! In the state that
The world is today, we need you out there! Thankyou for a job well done!
Congratulations Janet. Well deserved. Bringing a little cheer to the world.
Janet. You’re amazing and a wonderful role model for the future generation. May you continue to thrive. To help to change the world into a better place as obviously no political party is prepared to take on the challenge of obliterating homelessness. Unfortunately, while people like you are prepared to do what little they can, the government turn their noses in a different way and let us try to sort it out for them. Shame on them!
Enjoy your achievement and please do keep in touch with photos of your big day at Bucks house and the good work you’re involved in. Best wishes Janet . You’re a star
Congratulations Janet . This is well deserved for your tireless efforts . Glad to see you’ve been recognised . Look forward to seeing the pics do you accepting your MBE posh frock and all.