Congratulations to Kathryn McDowell CBE DL, Managing Director of the London Symphony Orchestra, on the announcement of her Damehood in today’s King’s Birthday Honours list, for services to music.
Sarah Quinn, Chair of the LSO, said: ‘On behalf of the Members and Staff of the London Symphony Orchestra I would like to send congratulations and very best wishes to Kathryn McDowell following the announcement of her Damehood in today’s King’s Birthday Honours list for services to Music. Dame Kathryn has given 18 years’ dedicated service to the LSO, and continues to be a committed, energetic, and charismatic Managing Director. Aside from her passion for the classical music repertoire and her encyclopaedic knowledge of musicians which has helped shape season after season, she is to be credited for anticipating the revolution that digital technology has brought to the orchestral sector and the importance of remaining relevant in a fast-changing world. Kathryn has been unwavering in encouraging the expansion of LSO Discovery and unfaltering in nurturing young talent both on and off the stage. Her steadfast leadership was crucial to the Orchestra’s safe navigation through the turbulent waters of the pandemic and the challenges of the recovery period for which we remain forever indebted. Congratulations Dame Kathryn.’
Kathryn McDowell joined the London Symphony Orchestra as Managing Director in 2005. She was brought up in Northern Ireland and read Music at Edinburgh University. After a post-graduate course in teacher training, she spent a year in Vienna as a volunteer working with political refugees in a UN camp.
In the mid-eighties Kathryn became one of the first education and community managers with orchestras, creating an extensive programme with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, and leading the ABO’s first national education project. She also worked with Welsh National Opera and the Ulster Orchestra, before becoming Music Director of the Arts Council of England in the nineties. Since then, she led the bid for the creation of the Wales Millennium Centre and directed the City of London Festival.
As Managing Director of the London Symphony Orchestra since 2005, Kathryn has built on the orchestra’s reputation by enriching the artistic programme with outstanding artists, including the appointments of Sir Simon Rattle and Sir Antonio Pappano; extending its profile internationally through partnerships in Europe, Latin America, Asia and Australasia; developing its recording label LSO Live into the most successful orchestra-owned label in the world; deepening its Discovery programme at LSO St Luke’s as a leader in the field of Education and Community work; and building a more sustainable financial model. She also played a sector leadership role during the recent pandemic.
Kathryn is Chair of the London Lieutenancy Council for Cultural Heritage; a member of the St. Paul’s Cathedral Council; and a member of Belfast High School. She was Chair of the Association of British Orchestras (2014-2017); Chair of the Association of British Orchestra’s Sustainable Touring Review (2007-2010); Chair of the Family Friendly Arts Campaign (2011-2015); a Trustee of the Leeds International Piano Competition (2016-2022); a Trustee of the Royal Philharmonic Society (1999-2006); and a Governor of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama (2007-2016).
Kathryn holds honorary awards from Trinity College, the Royal College of Music and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. She was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London in 2009, awarded a CBE in the 2011 Queen’s Birthday Honours, and in 2017 she was made Musician of the Year by the ISM and awarded Freeman (by Special Nomination) of the City of London. She is a keen hill walker, and continues to enjoy many sports as both participant and spectator.
For more information, please contact Chris Millard, Head of Press and External Affairs.
