The Cathedral Music Trust has today announced that Jonathan Macdonald will become Chair of its Board of Trustees from February 2023, succeeding Peter Allwood who is not seeking re-election having served six years in the role.
Jonathan currently chairs the Trust’s Development Committee, a position he took up in December 2020, which seeks to broaden the charity’s reach and impact as a voice for cathedral music. In that time, it has successfully helped raise much needed funds for cathedral, college chapel and major church choirs across the UK.
As part of the role, he has also built partnerships with key organisations across the UK and has taken steps to increase the visibility of issues that impact cathedral music on the public policy agenda within government.
Starting his cathedral music journey as a chorister and organist at school, Jonathan subsequently went to Balliol College, Oxford, where he read Music while acting as the college’s organ scholar. A career in the banking industry followed, which took him to New York, Paris, Hong Kong and Abu Dhabi, maintaining a lifelong passion and support for all forms of classical music.
During his time as Chair, Peter has overseen the charity’s transition from Friends of Cathedral Music to Cathedral Music Trust, and the appointment of a professional team which helps drive the Trust’s aims. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the Trust, under Peter’s leadership and in partnership with Ouseley Church Music Trust and the Choir Schools’ Association, created the Cathedral Choirs’ Emergency Fund, that raised £2 million for choirs in need.
Commenting on the transition, Peter Allwood said: “It has been a privilege to oversee the emergence of Cathedral Music Trust wearing a new coat, a new heart, and ambitious to sing the praises of cathedral music. As we continue to increase our financial support for choirs and musicians, I am proud of what our organisation has achieved and the plans we are making for the future, and I should like to thank all who contribute in any way to this important work.”
“I am delighted to hand over to Jonathan, who has already made great progress since his appointment as Chair of the Development Committee. His experience and passion will be of enormous benefit to the Trust as it embarks on the next phase of its journey.”
Jonathan Macdonald added: “I am honoured to have been appointed as the next Chair of the Cathedral Music Trust. It’s been really inspiring to have had the opportunity to play an active part in the Trust’s development over the past 18 months, and I look forward to continuing working with our staff team, trustees, volunteers and partners in delivering a forward-thinking, inclusive and ambitious strategy for the Trust.”
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Peter for his great leadership, insight and guidance. Under his direction, the Trust has made a significant impact supporting our world-renowned choral heritage and I look forward to building on his tremendous legacy. The charity’s decisive work during the pandemic has brought it to the fore; Cathedral Music Trust is firmly facing forwards, committed to delivering more impactful and proactive support to ensure a thriving and sustainable future for cathedral music.”