Bringing fresh perspectives and expertise to the charity
Cathedral Music Trust is delighted to announce the appointment of two new Trustees to its Board, bringing fresh perspectives and expertise to the charity.
Further strengthening its wide-ranging capabilities, the Trust has also added two new members to its Programmes Committee.
The four appointments reinforce the Trust’s commitment to cathedral music across the UK and Ireland, enhancing the depth of knowledge guiding high-quality programmes which support excellence, broaden participation and increase the long-term sustainability of the sector.
New Trustee – Chair of Development Committee
Daniel Benton
Daniel began his career as a rocket scientist before spending nearly 30 years as a management consultant, specialising in financial services. Now retired, he holds various NED and advisory roles, with a focus on technology and digital strategy. A lifelong musician, Daniel plays clarinet and piano and sings in several choirs, including Winchester Cathedral Chamber Choir, the Vasari Singers, and the Waynflete Singers. Daniel has also served as a trustee for several musical charities, including the London Mozart Players and The Grange Festival.
Commenting on his appointment, Daniel remarked: ““I look forward to working to help Cathedral Music Trust support our cathedral music tradition, which is so vital to the musical life of the church and more widely: many of our leading musicians had their first experiences in church music.”
New Trustee – Chair of the Grants Assessment Panel
Graham Robinson
Graham began his musical journey as a chorister at Coventry Cathedral and continued his love of music at St John’s College, Oxford. Whilst studying Classics, Graham sang in the chapel choir and participated in numerous ensembles as a singer and violinist. A Chartered Accountant by day, Graham also currently serves as a deputy lay clerk at Coventry Cathedral.
New Programmes Committee Member
Alison Bertlin CBE
Immersed in cathedral music from a young age, Alison’s childhood was spent in Winchester, followed by time at university in the chapel choir and later in a trustee role for a choral ensemble. Alison has spent much of her career drafting legislation as a Parliamentary Counsel in the Civil Service with previous experience as a solicitor in financial services and trusts law. Recently retired, Alison often volunteers as a pianist for school church services and takes part in PCC activities. She is also a trustee of a literary and arts festival in Scotland.
On joining the committee for the Trust Alison said:: “It’s wonderful to be joining such a vibrant organisation of committed staff and volunteers all working with enthusiasm and imagination to support cathedral music into the future.”
New Programmes Committee Member
Frances Godden
A founding member of the girls’ section of Lincoln Cathedral Choir, Frances cites the experience as formative in her development as a charity and ecclesiastical lawyer, across the arts, culture, and heritage sectors. After gaining a first-class degree in History from Durham University, Frances completed an MA in the History of Art at the Courtauld Institute and now has extensive experience advising cathedrals, churches, and charities on governance and compliance.
Jonathan Macdonald, Chair of Trustees, added:
“These new appointments signal a new period of growth for Cathedral Music Trust, enhancing our Board and Programmes Committee with deep musical and professional expertise to help guide the organisation’s ongoing support for cathedral music and future generations of musicians.”
