Katherine Wren studied music at the University of Manchester and the Royal Northern College of Music. She is a currently a member of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra where, alongside orchestral playing, she has a passion for contemporary music and audience engagement.
In September 2016 she formed Nordic Viola, a flexible ensemble performing and promoting music from the countries encircling the North Atlantic. Since then, Nordic Viola have performed in festivals in the Faroe Islands (Summartónar Festival 2018) Iceland (Bláakirkjan Summer Concert Series 2022) and Scotland (Sound Festival, St. Magnus International Festival and Orkney International Science Festival, Made In Scotland Showcase at Edinburgh Festival Fringe). Nordic Viola has also toured Orkney and Faroe with their Faroese couterparts, Aldubáran playing their acclaimed “Sagas and Seascapes” production.
Katherine is increasingly in demand as a composer/improviser and has performed alongside composer Charles Ross in Reykjavik and Egilsstaðir and in the co-production “Arctic Edgelands” with Renzo Spiteri, Arnannguaq Gerstrøm and Richard Craig in Nordic Music Days Glasgow 2024.
Nordic Viola have released two albums: Elsewhere, Elsewhen in 2023 for chamber ensemble and On A Wing and a Prayer – Reflections on Deeside’s Changing Habitat, for viola and electronics in association with composers Pete and Joe Stollery.
Katherine received a Special Commendation in the 2020 RPS/ABO Salomon Prize for her contribution to all aspects of orchestral life and her work with Nordic Viola, cited as “a fulfilling new experience for players that has forged lasting links with these communities.” The panel said, “the positive energy and passionate curiosity Katherine brings to the orchestra is inspirational and engaging to all who know and work with her.”
Nordic Viola was shortlisted for a Scotland New Music Award in 2019 and 2020 as a result of their work promoting and commissioning new music from northern composers.
