Catherine McCardel is a Violinist and Violist, currently at the Royal Academy of Music studying with Jack Liebeck and Jon Thorne with a full scholarship. Having grown up in Norwich, Catherine took part in various musical programmes, such as: Aldeburgh Young Musicians, Britten Sinfonia Academy, ProCorda, National Children’s Orchestra and National Youth Orchestra. She then attended the Purcell School for young musicians from 2020–2022 where she studied with Alda Dizdari.
Catherine is very passionate about making music with others and seeking opportunities for new experiences. Whilst studying in London, Catherine began playing with professional ensembles such as St Pauls Sinfonia, where they regularly play in St Alfege Church Greenwich and Graffiti Classics — a string quartet which aims to promote classical music to all ages in a lively comedic way. With Graffiti Classics she also takes part in Playground Proms, which is a charity promoting music in underprivileged schools across the UK. She also has a passion for chamber music, whether it’s with her groups at the Royal Academy or in venues around the UK. Catherine regularly plays with the string ensembles in Covent Garden Market, Sarastro restaurant and at the Savoy, as well as weddings and other events. Catherine, along with two other teachers at YMM (Rocket Brooks and Madeleine Johnston) recorded with the electronic group ‘Underworld’. Catherine has also performed extensively as a soloist. Recent performances include: Wymondham Symphony Orchestra where she played Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in Wymondham Abbey. She has also played with Waveney Sinfonia, Max Bruch’s Violin Concerto back in 2019 and Mozart’s 5th Violin Concerto in 2023. Catherine has also performed at St Peter Mancroft’s Lunchtime recital series and Southwold’s annual arts festival.
Catherine has a passion for all kinds of music genres, especially folk and jazz, and enjoys teaching skills such as improvisation and learning by ear. She has also completed her LRAM teaching qualification and is passionate that each student enjoys and learns to love their instrument.