NMC appoint Cathy Graham as Executive Director

Cathy will lead the strategic development of the organisation, working closely with the label’s Creative Director, Eleanor Wilson, and the NMC team and board.

'I have known NMC Recordings from its very early days in the late eighties and have watched it grow and develop over the years into the impressive organisation it is today, an absolutely vital part of the UK music sector. The breadth of its catalogue, the sheer quality of the music and artists represented, its global reach and the dedication of its excellent team and Board are inspirational and make my role a very special one. I am delighted to be joining NMC Recordings as it approaches its 35th birthday and look forward to being a part of the next stage of its journey.' – Cathy Graham

‘In Cathy Graham we could not have asked for a stronger, more experienced and committed successor to Helen Sprott, whose legacy is a national treasure of an organisation which shines far beyond the boundaries of the UK. How fortunate we are to be welcoming Cathy into the fold. We look forward to working with her over the coming years to take NMC into its 35th birthday celebrations and beyond.’ – Jackie Newbould, NMC Chair

About Cathy Graham

After studying Music at Birmingham University, Cathy Graham spent two years at the Royal Northern College of Music studying piano accompaniment. Fourteen years as a professional musician 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 SPNM (Society for the Promotion of New Music), guiding organisational change, and her tenure culminated in SPNM receiving the Prudential Award for the Arts. From 1997 to 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 the ensemble's own record label and was engaged in 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.

From November 2006 until June 2022 she was Director of Music at the British Council in London working across all genres of music on projects which create trust and understanding between the UK and the rest of the world.

In December 2018 Cathy was awarded an Honorary RNCM from the Royal Northern College of Music in recognition of her significant support of the UK music sector. In 2019 she was awarded the prestigious ABO Award from the Association of British Orchestras which is presented annually to the individual or institution considered by the membership to have made the most important contribution to the orchestral life of the UK. In October 2020, Cathy received the honour of OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) – as part of Her Majesty The Queen's Birthday Honours list – for 'services to music and cultural relations.'

For any further enquiries, please contact NMC's Sales & Marketing Manager, Kate Walker - kate@nmcrec.co.uk

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