Our Team

kate.whitley@multi-story.org.uk
katewhitley.net

Kate Whitley (b. 1989) is composer and pianist based in South London.  As well as writing for The Multi-Story Orchestra she composes for concert, ballets, choirs and orchestras around the UK and her music has been broadcast as part of the BBC Proms.  Her piece Speak out to words by Malala Yousafzai was commissioned by the BBC for International Women’s Day 2017 in support of the campaign for better education for girls: ‘a powerful statement, full of kinetic energy’ (Wales Arts Review) and has since been performed by orchestras around the world. Her pieces for children’s choir and orchestra include Alive to words by poet Holly McNish, which won a 2015 British Composers Award and was described as “a remarkable feat” (The Telegraph), and I am I say to words by Sabrina Mahfouz, described as "a tremendous work" (The Times). In 2018 she was commissioned by the London Symphony Orchestra to write Sky Dances, which was performed by an orchestra of over 100 in Trafalgar Square, conducted by Sir Simon Rattle. Winning a 2018 Critics Circle Award she has been described as a composer with “a strong, distinctive voice who, without compromising, communicates directly to a wide audience, within the concert hall and beyond”. NMC Recordings released a CD of her music in March 2017, called I am I say: "unpretentious, appealingly vigorous and visceral" (The Guardian); a fresh and individual creative voice” (BBC Music Magazine); “make no mistake, Kate Whitley is a composer to watch”(Gramophone).

Sumita provides leadership to the programme team and will work closely with Artistic Director, Kate Whitley, to design, plan and deliver the live events programme. She has worked in music education within orchestras for the past decade and is passionate about breaking down barriers to music for everyone.

Outside of work, Sumita loves to travel, try new food, bake and do park-run on Saturday mornings!

Jeani leads on designing and delivering our work with young people - from engaging school groups for our large-scale performances, engaging young musicians and overseeing our Young Creatives scheme. Outside of MSO, she sings soprano with the South West London Choral Society. Jeani loves musicals, k-dramas and chocolate.

Ollie is responsible for building our organisation’s name and reputation both online and offline, regionally and internationally. He has a longtime interest in culture, the arts, and education which led him first of all to pursue a masters degree in Cultural Studies, before he began work as an English teacher upon graduating. Since then, he’s found a way of marrying his twin interests in photography and culture, working with photography cooperative Test-Shoots and South London music charity, Raw Material, as well as for ourselves.

Theresa completed her Masters in Voluntary Sector Management and has a Diploma in Charity Accounting. She oversees Multi Story's finances, ensuring that our work is delivered effectively, meeting both statutory and funder requirements.

Nóra works alongside Sumita and Jeani in the delivery for Multi-Story live events, working directly with musicians, creatives, venues and crew to deliver logistical support and planning. Outside of MSO Nóra is Co-Artistic Director of No Table Productions an up and coming production company telling South London Stories. Outside of work she loves solo trips to Peckhamplex, peanut M&M's and gossiping.