Catherine Polglase is a versatile and accomplished musician, violinist, educator, and conductor, currently serving as Head of Instrumental Music at St Peter’s School in Cambridge. She completed her BA in Music and History at the University of Auckland, studying violin under David Nalden and later pursuing her passion for historically informed performance through baroque violin studies with Graham McPhail. During this time, she became a founding member of NZ Barok.
Catherine is the leader of Hamilton’s Vox Baroque ensemble, which performs monthly cantatas as part of the St Peter’s Cathedral Cantata Vespers series. Her conducting roles include Associate Conductor of Youth Orchestra Waikato and Conductor of The Rusty Players Orchestra, reflecting her commitment to fostering musical growth across all ages and abilities.
A dedicated Suzuki violin teacher and Suzuki Early Childhood Educator, Catherine is deeply invested in nurturing young musicians. Her creative talents extend to NZ Barok’s popular Baby Baroque Free Kids’ Concerts, for which she serves as writer, music selector, and narrator — a role that highlights her ability to connect audiences of all ages with the joy of music.