Sounds New -

Professor Paul Max Edlin (Artistic Director and Chair of Artistic Group)

Paul studied composition and trumpet at the Royal College of Music and composition at Sussex University where he took his doctorate. His works have been performed and broadcast both nationally and abroad by many leading artists including Evelyn Glennie, Nicholas Daniel, Rolf Hind, The Britten Sinfonia and Psappha. He is Professor of Music at Canterbury Christ Church University. In 2010 he becomes President Elect of the Incorporated Society of Musicians.

Michelle Castelletti (Festival Manager)

Following her music diplomas and a Bachelors degree in Music (Hons) at the University of Malta, Michelle was awarded a scholarship from the Maltese Government to come to Canterbury to read for a Masters in Music. She is currently combining her work in Sounds New Contemporary Music Festival and teaching at Canterbury Christ Church University whilst continuing her studies toward a PhD, after being awarded an EU scholarship.

Peter Cook (Education Project Leader)

Peter is a music practitioner who has been based in Kent for 20 years. In 2002 he set up ‘Big Bash Music Company Ltd’, which runs community projects in the South East. In 2003, Peter began working with Creative Partnerships as one of their project leaders.

Professor Paul Patterson (Artistic Advisor)

Paul is recognised as one of the UK’s most prominent composers. He is Manson Professor of Composition at the Royal Academy of Music, Visiting Professor at the Royal Northern College of Music and Canterbury Christ Church University and Composer-in-residence to the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain.

Professor Roderick Watkins (Artistic Advisor)

Roderick studied composition in the USA (Oberlin), in France (IRCAM) and at the Royal Academy of Music, where his teachers included Hans Werner Henze and Paul Patterson. His works include an opera, The Juniper Tree, commissioned by the Munich Biennale. In 2005 he was appointed Professor of Composition at Canterbury Christ Church University where he is currently Head of Department.