Our people

Abby joined the team in September 2024, bringing her passion for arts and music. Previously, a freelance digital content creator for both NCO and Creative Cardiff, she now supports the Communications team across digital platforms. She holds a degree in Musical Theatre from the University of Chichester Conservatoire and a postgraduate degree in Arts Management from Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Outside work, she enjoys live music and supporting Liverpool FC.

Alice joined the team in January 2025 as Development Director. She leads the organisation’s fundraising strategy and supports the team in delivering income. Her career has focused on fundraising across the charity and arts sectors, and she’s excited to support NCO’s mission while fuelling her own love of music. Previous roles include Head of Fundraising and Communications at Square Food Foundation, Senior Corporate Membership Manager at the Royal Academy of Arts, and Team Leader at Ten Lifestyle Concierge. Outside work, Alice enjoys kitchen discos with her children, festivals and scuba diving.

Andrew joined the team in May 2024 as Programme and Orchestras Manager, leading on our residential Orchestral Weeks. A cellist, he studied at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and the Royal Northern College of Music. Andrew previously worked with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, the Monteverdi Choir and Orchestras, and Chetham’s School of Music. Outside of work, he’s a keen cook—often found in the kitchen perfecting his chocolate orange brownie recipe. 

Becky joined the team in June 2021 and leads on devising and delivering the organisation’s communications strategy. She was previously Head of Marketing at Tobacco Factory Theatres, with earlier roles at Wales Millennium Centre and Opera North. Becky studied Music at Leeds University and is proud to return to her musical roots, combining her passion for the arts with a wealth of experience in cultural communications.

Beth joined the team in October 2024, having previously worked at Bristol Beacon. She manages the charity’s HR, governance, compliance, and office operations. With over a decade of charity sector experience, Beth has worked mainly in international development with organisations including War Child and Development Initiatives. She holds a degree in Social Anthropology from the University of Manchester and is an avid traveller, having lived in India, Australia, Panama, Canada, and more. 

Charlotte joined the team in September 2021.  She is responsible for assisting the Communications Director in engaging with our young musicians and their parents as well as the continued delivery of the NCO’s message across various platforms, implementing NCO’s evaluation framework, and supporting the Financial Support process.  Charlotte completed her PhD in Soviet Hungarian music at Cardiff University, is an enthusiastic piano teacher and also enjoys marathon running and training as a wrestler.

Hannah joined the team in November 2024, supporting the Programmes and Orchestras Director with planning and coordinating NCO activities, and assisting as orchestra manager during projects. She studied clarinet at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and completed a Masters in Musicology at the University of Oxford, researching Music, Politics, and German Theatre in the mid-20th Century. A member of NCO’s Support Team since 2021, Hannah enjoys the opportunity to contribute to NCO full-time.

Katie joined NCO in April 2018 and manages the upkeep and organisation of the music library. A graduate of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, she also works as a professional flautist and tutor. Katie is Head Librarian for BBC Cardiff Singer of the World and has contributed to other BBC projects including Proms in the Park. Outside work, she enjoys the gym and planning her next travel adventure.

Olivia joined the team in December 2024 as Programme and Orchestras Manager, leading on our Orchestral Weekends. She has previously worked with arts organisations including HarrisonParrott, St John’s Smith Square, Wiltshire Music Centre, and for trumpeter Alison Balsom. A former oboe student at the Royal Northern College of Music, Olivia is now principal oboe of Bristol Symphony Orchestra. She enjoys making music with friends – recently performing Peter and the Wolf in Bear Wood at Bristol Zoo Project’s Summer Lates.

Sarah leads on day-to-day fundraising activity and donor relationships to help deliver ambitious income goals and bring NCO’s mission to life. She joined the team in 2018 and has a background in trusts and foundations, individual giving, and supporter engagement. Sarah studied Italian and Music at Cardiff University and French horn performance at Conservatorio Benedetto Marcello in Venice, before completing a Master’s in Musicology. A passionate advocate for the arts, she has previously worked with Sinfonia Cymru and artist management agency Sulivan Sweetland. 

Siobainn is a qualified youth worker, coach and mentor with over 30 years’ experience supporting children, young people and families. She has worked as a Designated Safeguarding Lead for over 20 years and brings deep expertise in pastoral care. Siobainn takes a person-centred approach, creating safe, supportive environments where individuals feel heard and valued. She loves learning—current passions include open water swimming and discovering unique, off-the-beaten-track places to stay.

Sophie joined the team in February 2018 and leads NCO’s strategic development, drawing on 30 years’ experience in arts management. She has held senior roles at English National Opera, Arts Council England, Welsh National Opera and Sinfonia Cymru. Sophie won the inaugural ABO/Rhinegold Orchestra Manager of the Year Award in 2012 and currently chairs the Association of British Orchestras (ABO). She has served on advisory committees for Music Mark and Bristol Beacon and was an international jury member for Classical:NEXT 2019.

Tammy joined the team in March 2024 as Programme and Orchestras Director and, with the wider team, leads the planning of all NCO activity. She studied music at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and the Royal Northern College of Music, before moving into orchestra management. Previous roles include positions at the Royal Opera House, BBC Concert Orchestra, BBC Proms, Southbank Centre and Sinfonia Cymru. Tammy has two young children and loves sea swimming and long walks outdoors.

Tamsin joined the team in February 2023. After studying music in Manchester, she worked in orchestral management with the English Chamber Orchestra and BBC Proms, before moving into music education with Spitalfields Music, Wiltshire Music Centre and Wiltshire Music Connect. She is passionate about removing barriers to music-making, particularly around access, language and perception. Tamsin lives in Bath with her husband and 3 children. She loves to be outside whatever the weather and spends a lot of time playing her violin with friends and leading local orchestras.

Alison Mears is Director of Guildhall Young Artists and Safeguarding, with over 25 years’ experience in music education across schools and conservatoires. Guildhall Young Artists, launched as a national network in 2023, supports progression for 1,900 young people through regional centres and holiday orchestras. Alison is also a Council Member of Arts Council of Wales and sits on the London Music Fund Education Committee.

Alistair Butt is a finance professional with nearly 40 years’ experience in wealth management, retail financial services, and business management. Originally a chorister and French horn player, he studied music at Goldsmiths, University of London, before pursuing a career in finance. Alistair continues to enjoy music and regularly plays with amateur orchestras across Oxfordshire and Berkshire.

Beth Higham-Edwards is a percussionist, educator, and advocate for gender equality in music. Performances include Come From Away (UK tour), numerous plays at Shakespeare’s Globe, National Theatre and the RSC, and Inala (West End/ international). She teaches at Junior Trinity Laban and has led workshops for The Benedetti Foundation, London Music Fund, and BBC orchestras. Beth founded and runs Gender and the Large and Shiny Instruments; striving for gender equality for instrumentalists through education, advocacy, mentoring and spotlighting.

Christine Wu is a lawyer specialising in commercial and technology law and currently holds a senior role at a major global consumer technology company. She has extensive experience in the non-profit sector, having volunteered legal expertise with children’s charities and community legal centres such as Toynbee Hall. Christine also brings safeguarding experience, having recently served as Welfare Officer for one of London’s leading badminton clubs.

Clare Jack has worked in senior arts management roles for over 16 years, with wide-ranging skills in change management, financial and staff management, fundraising, marketing and venue operation. She is currently Chief Operating Officer for Bristol Music Trust and has been central to Bristol Beacon’s major refurbishment. Prior to moving into the arts 16 years ago, Clare had an extensive career in private sector change management.

George Caird is an oboist and music educator with a career spanning over 50 years. He has worked with many of London’s major orchestras and held senior roles at the Royal Academy of Music, Birmingham Conservatoire, and Codarts Rotterdam. George continues to teach oboe at Birmingham Conservatoire and serves as President of the Barbirolli International Oboe Competition.

Jonathan Mayes was born in Cheltenham and educated at Bristol University. He began his career in the USA, working in management for the Chicago and Pittsburgh Symphonies. Returning to the UK, he held producing roles at the Barbican and Southbank Centre before spending six years at Arts Council England. He was Director of Residencies and Regional Programme at the Philharmonia Orchestra, before several years at Clore Leadership and is now CEO for Cathedral Music Trust.

Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason is a former English lecturer at the University of Birmingham and author of House of Music: Raising the Kanneh-Masons. She is mother to seven classical musicians and has been featured in several documentaries. Kadiatu serves on multiple boards, including ESTA String Teachers Association and the Royal Philharmonic Society Advisory Council. She continues to write and speaks widely across the UK on diversity in classical music, music education, race, inclusion, literature, and parenting.

Letty Stott is Head of Music Performance at Wells Cathedral School, where her role includes community and partnership work with schools and community groups, as well as fostering links internationally. Letty is a co-founder of Gender and the Large and Shiny Instruments (GALSI), which spotlights women, girls and non-binary people in the music industry. Letty frequently contributes to BBC Radio 3 and 4, with her performing work focussing on theatre and session work for TV and film.

Louise Mitchell was Chief Executive of Bristol Music Trust for 13 years, overseeing a £132 million transformation of the Bristol Beacon, the South West’s largest concert hall. Formerly Director of Glasgow UNESCO City of Music and Glasgow Concert Halls, she led the £18.3 million regeneration of key venues. Louise has held senior roles at the London Philharmonic Orchestra and Edinburgh International Festival. She is a Council Member of the Royal Philharmonic Society & a trustee of several music charities.

Lucy Maguire is founder and CEO of The Nucleo Project, a “music for social action” initiative in North Kensington, London, serving over 300 children aged 0 to 20. Many Nucleo students are current or former NCO members. Lucy’s passion for music’s social impact began in her teens at Phillips Academy Andover and deepened during a year teaching in El Sistema, Caracas. She completed her degree at King’s College London before launching Nucleo in 2013.

Roger Tomlinson began his career in marketing before leading Aberystwyth Arts Centre and Theatr Clwyd. He served as Drama Director at the Welsh Arts Council and later became an international arts management consultant. Roger is passionate about audience development, public engagement, and embracing new technologies.

Sophie Jerrold is a Development Director with 20+ years’ experience in fundraising, strategic partnerships, and stakeholder engagement across the non-profit, arts, and science sectors. She has led roles at the British Neuroscience Association and Square Food Foundation, specialising in securing high-value investments and driving sustainable growth. A human-centred leader passionate about Equity, Diversity & Inclusion and daughter of an oboist, Sophie has a lifelong love of orchestral music.

Stuart Burns is an arts and charity specialist, currently Executive Producer at Scottish Ensemble, leading innovative cross-disciplinary projects. A former civil servant, he was Executive Director at music education charity Orchestras for All and now works as an Associate with Take Note, supporting cultural organisations and funders to maximise their impact.

Uchenna Ngwe studied oboe and cor anglais at Trinity College of Music, performing across Europe, Africa, and Asia. She has soloed at venues like Lauderdale House and worked with orchestras including Bournemouth Symphony and KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic. As founder and Artistic Director of Decus Ensemble, her PhD research uncovers hidden histories of Black classical musicians in Britain and Europe, leading to projects like plainsightSOUND. Uchenna is also a BBC Radio 3 contributor and has recorded educational music resources.

William Norris is a freelance arts consultant. In recent years, alongside establishing William Norris Arts Management he has held interim roles as Interim Director at The Benedetti Foundation and Chief Executive of Scottish Ensemble. Prior to this he had been Managing Director of Southbank Sinfonia and of Toronto’s Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra. Earlier, his decade with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, saw him develop The Night Shift series, attracting younger audiences and boosting ticket sales by 150%.