After gaining a B Mus at Birmingham University, Cathy Graham spent two years at the RNCM studying piano accompaniment. Fourteen years in Stockholm included work as a teacher, vocal coach and repetiteur with opera and theatre companies. Returning to the UK in 1992 Cathy quickly established herself on the London music scene, working for ENO Contemporary Music Studio and Almeida Opera, and as an Artists’ Manager. In 1994 she became Executive Director of the spnm, guiding organisational change, her tenure culminating in the spnm receiving the Prudential Award for the Arts. From 1997 – 2006 she was Managing Director of the London Sinfonietta, during which time the ensemble toured extensively nationally and internationally, and saw its repertoire, profile and audience broaden and increase. She also initiated and oversaw the ensemble’s own record label, and was engaged on leading the move to a new multi-purpose venue at Kings Cross which now acts as a permanent home alongside the ensemble’s South Bank Centre artistic residency. In November 2006 she joined the British Council and is currently Director of Music and Strategic Projects working on arts and music projects which create trust and understanding between the UK and the rest of the world. She is Chair of Streetwise Opera, on the Board of the International Society for Performing Arts (ISPA) where she also chairs the Fellowship committee, and a National Music Advisor to the Arts Council of Wales. |
In conversation: Israel
"Five debates a day sounds a bit daunting beforehand, but I really loved it. The speakers are so knowledgeable and passionate about their chosen topic, and the amount of time dedicated to questions from the audience was great as it really brought in alternative views."
Exeter University student