Catherine Larsen-Maguire, a renowned conductor, will be the inaugural music director of the National Youth Orchestras of Scotland (NYOS) starting from 2024, serving a three-year term. The creation of this position was influenced by Larsen-Maguire's outstanding leadership during two highly acclaimed NYOS Symphony Orchestra concerts in April 2023, featuring Mahler's Symphony No.7 and Lotta Wennäkoski's Susurrus.
Established in 1979, NYOS offers annual orchestral programs in classical and jazz music to more than 600 students aged between eight and 25. Larsen-Maguire has been actively involved with NYOS, engaging in discussions and conducting workshops for the orchestra members.
Prior to focusing exclusively on conducting in 2012, Larsen-Maguire spent a decade as the principal bassoon player for the Komische Oper Berlin. She made her NYOS debut as a conductor in 2018, leading the NYOS Senior Orchestra.
Having graduated from Cambridge University, the Royal Academy of Music, and the Karajan Academy, Larsen-Maguire was born in Manchester and currently resides in Berlin.
Throughout her career, Larsen-Maguire has performed with prestigious orchestras such as the Orquesta Sinfónica de Galicia, Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse, Mecklenburgische Staatskapelle, Slovenian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Orquesta Filarmónica de la UNAM in Mexico City, London Philharmonic, Royal Northern Sinfonia, and Scottish Chamber Orchestra.
As an educator, Larsen-Maguire has collaborated with the Young Israel Philharmonic and the Young Euro Classic Ensemble. She has also conducted masterclasses in schools across Germany, Brazil, and Spain. From 2017 to 2021, she served as a jury member for the Besançon Competition.
Larsen-Maguire expressed her excitement and gratitude for the opportunity, stating that it is an immense privilege and responsibility to be part of NYOS's new chapter. She looks forward to working with the visionary NYOS team and, most importantly, the young musicians of Scotland on upcoming ambitious projects over the next three years. As someone who experienced the transformative power of youth orchestras firsthand, Larsen-Maguire recognizes that NYOS is not just about music but also about personal growth, lifelong friendships, and cherished memories. She feels fortunate to contribute to this exceptional organization.
Kirsteen Davidson Kelly, CEO of NYOS, praised Larsen-Maguire as an exceptional and forward-thinking musician. Her extensive professional experience and dedication to nurturing young musicians make her well-suited to work with youth orchestras. Kelly highlighted Larsen-Maguire's ability to establish a remarkable rapport with the NYOS Symphony Orchestra during their collaboration in spring 2023, pushing the orchestra beyond expectations. With Larsen-Maguire's remarkable energy and expertise, NYOS is eagerly anticipating the next three years, aiming to create inspiring, world-class musical experiences for Scotland's exceptional young musicians and their audiences.
