Professor Cat Hope PhD

Head of School, Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music, monash university

55 Scenic Boulevard, Clayton VIC 3800, Australia

cat.hope@monash.edu

8 March 2019

My name is Cat Hope and I am an artist and scholar working in Australia. I have known Kelly Lovelady for over 7 years and been aware of her work during that time.

In 2017 Kelly chose my work Pure for found object, orchestra and subtone for inclusion in Ruthless Jabiru’s landmark programme Fuel: a co-production with the Art Not Oil Coalition for the 2017 Joy & Dissent festival of cultural Activism in London. In the 4 years since the piece was premiered, the live recording from this performance is one of my absolute favourite realisations.

My composition leverages animated graphic score, fixed electronics and elements of guided improvisation which demand a high level of commitment of the orchestra: a commitment that I absolutely hear realised under the direction of Kelly Lovelady. Her openness to exploring conceptual scores and new media within a large ensemble context was also extremely impressive.

It has become clear to me over the years that Kelly and I share a vision around activism and music. This is realized in a drive to mobilise the humanitarian powers of music by way of composition, performance, fundraising for and curation of programs. I am thrilled to have observed Kelly’s vision for developing, producing, and conducting performances that leave audiences motivated and excited for positive change.

I see in Kelly a similar passion for the pursuit of a visceral audience experience through expressive programming that I seek in my own creative output. She is committed to both intensity and diversity in her repertoire choices as a conductor and working to redefine and experiment with programme forms within the orchestral sector. That she continues to run a freelance orchestra in London is a remarkable achievement only possible through true and effective leadership and enthusiasm.

In demonstrating a can-do attitude to overcome the challenges that are typically navigated by an orchestral administration team, Kelly has excelled in shaping creative responses to the challenges of funding, partnership development, artistic programming, logistics and promotions.

Alongside her dedication to New music and composer advocacy Kelly has also demonstrated excellence conducting the historical repertoire over the years through a portfolio of Guest Conductor engagements and elite professional development opportunities.

It is my professional pleasure to endorse Kelly Lovelady for all and any forthcoming opportunities. I look forward to our next opportunity to work together, and encourage you to contact me if you need further information.