We are delighted to announce that Catherine Olver will become Music Director of the Renaissance Choir from September 2026. Her appointment marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the choir as it continues to aim for excellence in its presentation of varied and ambitious choral music.
The choir was founded 50 years ago and has a distinguished history of commissioning new works as well as putting on first performances of works in the area.
Catherine brings wide-ranging experience as a conductor of choral repertoire. Alongside her conducting work, she is also actively involved in teaching and inspiring singers and musicians.
Catherine says, “I’m delighted to be appointed to this position. It is a great opportunity to work with such a friendly, accomplished and versatile choir, and I look forward to building on its long-standing legacy.”
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. She is a member of SWO (Society of Women Organists) and co-coordinated the Jennifer Bate Organ Academy for four years.
Catherine is currently Professor and Director of Academic Studies for the Royal Marines School of Music in Portsmouth, where she teaches academic music courses to aspiring Bandmasters and adjudicates in-house competitions. She combines this with weekend organ-playing and is looking forward to starting her new role as Organist at Holy Trinity Church, Guildford.
Catherine’s inspiration for choral direction started at school when she sang in the award-winning Chapel Choir of Methodist College Belfast under Ruth McCartney. Since then, she has studied under Paul Brough, Graham Walker and Robin Walker and has also enjoyed working with chapel choirs and chamber choirs in her previous roles as 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.
Outside of work, Catherine enjoys giving organ recitals, studying for a part-time Master’s in Music Psychology and composing new choral works. Rest assured, she also enjoys non-musical activities such as running (followed by a hearty lunch), and supporting Ireland in the Six Nations!