Catherine Polglase is a versatile and accomplished musician, serving as a freelance violinist, violin teacher, conductor, and the Artistic Manager of Orchestra Central Trust in Hamilton. She honed her violin skills at Auckland University under the guidance of David Nalden, earning a BA in Music and History. Her passion for authentic performance led her to study baroque violin with Graham McPhail, where she became a founding member of NZ Barok.
Catherine’s leadership extends to the Hamilton ensemble Vox Baroque, where she holds the position of leader. This ensemble performs monthly cantatas as an integral part of St Peter’s Cathedral
Cantata Vespers. Her musical prowess was further recognized in 2017 when she was selected for the CMNZ Nelson Bach Residency, collaborating with Julliard 415 under the esteemed Maasaki Suzuki.
In addition to her role as Associate Conductor of Youth Orchestra Waikato, Catherine serves as the Conductor of The Rusty Players Orchestra. Her commitment to music education is evident through her roles as a Suzuki violin teacher and Suzuki Early Childhood Educator. Notably, Catherine’s creative talents shine as the writer, music selector, and narrator of NZ Barok’s highly successful Baby Baroque Free Kids’ Concerts, further showcasing her multifaceted contributions to the musical community.
