International Advisory Board
The English Chamber Orchestra International Advisory Board (IAB)

The English Chamber Orchestra International Advisory Board (IAB) is a select group of individuals who are passionate about supporting and sustaining the future of one of the world’s most distinguished chamber orchestras. This group plays a vital role in strengthening the ECO’s ability to deliver world-class performances, recordings, international tours, and community and education projects.


The IAB has been formed to help focus and guide the ECO’s fundraising and development goals, ensuring the orchestra remains artistically vibrant and financially stable. Members work in close alignment with the ECO’s leadership to broaden the orchestra’s network, unlock new opportunities, and champion the importance of chamber music in today’s world.


We are actively building a stable and forward-thinking platform for the ECO’s long-term success. In this, we seek the insight, energy, and commitment of individuals who value musical excellence and believe in the cultural importance of the orchestra’s work across the UK and internationally. If you think you would like to be a part of our future, please contact: admin@englishchamberorchestra.co.uk.

Meet the Board
HSH Dr Donatus, Prince of Hohenzollern ISM

Donatus is a trained musician who supports and represents charities like The Purcell School, Arts4Dementia, and Blind Dog Rescue UK. He believes in the values represented by the English Chamber Orchestra as one of the flagships of the leading British music culture.

 

He earned a Master’s degree and a philosophical Doctorate in Catholic Theology and published epistemic studies on topics such as the impact of music compared with that of other arts. In 2026, a new study will be published about the shift from the Baroque to the Romantic period as a fundamental breach in Western history of thought and culture. His academic genealogy includes Pope Benedict XVI and the philosopher Friedrich Wilhelm Joseph Schelling.

 

He grew up as an orphan, later adopted by the former Royal family of Germany (www.prinz-von-hohenzollern.info). He lives as a widower in Guildford and founded the Teahouse Baroque network for professional and very advanced musicians.

Faisal Shaukat

Faisal Shaukat is a prominent British-Pakistani cultural entrepreneur, an award-winning producer, host, and presenter. Embracing the role of a “Cultural Diplomat,” he advocates for the transformative power of cultural diplomacy. His pioneering initiative, “Mapping East-West,” fosters intercultural dialogue and empathy through events that bridge cultural divides.


As the founder and CEO of ISP Events, established over 20 years ago, Faisal has positioned the organisation as a key player in the UK event industry. ISP Events has evolved to serve a diverse clientele; it forges strategic partnerships worldwide by crafting varied events for global audiences, collaborating with esteemed international organisations, embassies, and artists. Faisal’s extensive experience, combined with his exceptional communication skills and adaptability, has solidified his reputation in the UK entertainment landscape.


Over the past eight years, he has built a strong partnership with the English Chamber Orchestra, promoting British culture through classical music while engaging diverse audiences via educational and community initiatives.

Ishani Bhoola

Born and raised in Bristol, UK, Ishani studied at the Purcell School of Music and the Guildhall School of Music, winning numerous prizes and awards, including first prize in the 5th Sascha Lasserson Competition.

 

Ishani has been a member of several international orchestras, including the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the English Chamber Orchestra in the UK, the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra and the Los Angeles Opera in the US.


In recent years, Ishani has dedicated her time to combining performance with education and artist management via her charitable organization the Waverley Ensemble. Under the charity’s name Ishani promotes concerts as an Artist Manager and has founded a number of educational projects such as International Youth Orchestra Bridges and the Haslemere International String Competition. She has managed the Tippet and Dante Quartets.

 

In France, where she has a second home, Ishani established the Issigeac International Music Academy.

Maurizio Corazzini

Maurizio is a business consultant, entrepreneur, and CEO with a diverse background covering IT, artificial intelligence, biometric monitoring, and pharmaceuticals.

 

He brings extensive entrepreneurial expertise in charity marketing and fundraising to the International Advisory Board of the English Chamber Orchestra, supported by a wide network of personal and professional relationships.

 

A passionate musician and vocalist, Maurizio’s love of music encompasses multiple genres—from classical and jazz to country-folk.

James Mews  MBE

James is a singer and violinist, an experienced educator and artistic director in the musical sphere as well as a distinguished lawyer and entrepreneur.  

 

He has been the artistic director of Jersey’s Liberation International Music Festival since 2009, the Jersey International Guitar Festival since 2021 and is co-curating a 2 year series of concerts with the English Chamber Orchestra. He is the chairman of Music in Action, a charity that provides music bursaries to children, educational workshops and workshops in carehomes.

 

In his legal career, he is the Managing Partner of Amati Law including advising the government in Jersey on the reform of Jersey’s trust and charity laws, and the creation of a dormant accounts law which has resulted in millions being given to good causes. He was awarded an MBE in 2025 for his services to the community and music. 

Elvijs Plugis

Elvijs Plugis is an award-winning entrepreneur and strategic business advisor with international experience across business development, marketing, branding, revenue strategy, and partnerships. He works closely with organisations, founders, and institutions on strategic growth architecture, market positioning, and long-term value creation.


His work spans the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and the United States, where he advises at board and senior leadership level on commercial strategy, fundraising structures, investor engagement, and sustainable growth. Elvijs sits on multiple advisory boards and has extensive experience working with investors and investment networks across different markets.


He holds professional accreditation as an MCIM Chartered Marketer and is recognised for his expertise in strategic growth, commercial architecture, and leadership advisory across diverse sectors and international environments.


As a member of the English Chamber Orchestra International Advisory Board, Elvijs supports the Orchestra’s marketing, events, strategic fundraising, partnership development, and international initiatives, contributing to its continued stability, growth, and future sustainability.