Kathryn McDowell

Kathryn joined the LSO as Managing Director in 2005. She has enhanced the Orchestra's reputation as resident orchestra of the Barbican Centre by enriching its artistic programme with outstanding artists, including Sir Simon Rattle and Sir Antonio Pappano. She has extended its profile internationally, developed its award-winning recording label LSO Live, and extended its Discovery programme at LSO St Luke's to become a leader in the field of Education and Community work.

A native of Northern Ireland, she read music at Edinburgh University and took postgraduate studies in education. After a year working in Austria with political refugees from eastern Europe, she was a pioneer in developing music education programmes with professional opera companies and orchestras in the UK, subsequently becoming Music Director of the Arts Council.

She holds honorary awards from the Royal College of Music, Trinity College of Music and Guildhall School of Music and Drama; she was named Distinguished Musician of 2017 by the Incorporated Society of Musicians; and appointed Dame Commander in the King’s 2023 Birthday Honours list. Kathryn chairs the Cultural Heritage Council of the Greater London Lieutenancy which aims to build bridges across London’s communities through cultural programmes for young people.