Catherine Olver

Biography

Originally from Belfast, Catherine studied music at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, where, as organ scholar, she was responsible for conducting and accompanying the choir. Prior to this, she was awarded organ scholarships at both St Patrick's Cathedral, Armagh and Rochester Cathedral and has since become an Associate of the Royal College of Organists.

Catherine is currently Professor and Director of Academic Studies for the Royal Marines School of Music in Portsmouth, Organist at Holy Trinity Church in Guildford, Musical Director of The Renaissance Choir in Emsworth and Chorus Master for Haslemere Musical Society. As a conductor, she has studied under Paul Brough, Graham Walker and Robin Walker and has enjoyed working with professional and amateur choirs in her previous roles as Assistant Director of Music at St Columba's Church, Knightsbridge, Acting Assistant Director of Chapel Music at Winchester College and Head of Organ, School Organist and Teacher of Academic Music at St Catherine's School, Bramley.

As an organist and continuo player, Catherine has studied with Donald Davison, Gordon Stewart, Roger Sayer and Andrew Arthur. At Cambridge, she enjoyed playing continuo alongside Cambridge Baroque Camerata in performances of Bach's St John Passion and Handel's Messiah. She has broadcast on BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Radio 4 both as a singer and accompanist and is in frequent demand as a freelance organist and recitalist. Recent venues include St Marylebone Church, London, St Canice's Cathedral, Kilkenny and Exeter College, Oxford.

Alongside teaching and performing, Catherine enjoys composing choral music for choirs of all standards. Her music has recently been published by Encore Publications, and she is delighted to have seen premieres of her works across the UK, Ireland and Hong Kong.

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