Catherine Kontz (b. 1976) is a London-based composer whose works explore nonlinear form, visual/spatial elements, and musical theatricality.
Orchestral works include Bookends I & II (Orchestre de Chambre de Luxembourg), The Waves (Solistes Européens Luxembourg) and Fruitmarket (BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra), as well as the recent 53 minute Voix des Terres Rouges for choir and orchestra, commissioned by the Cité
musicale Metz for the Orchestre national de Metz Grand Est and the choirs of INECC Mission Voix Lorraine and INECC Luxembourg as part of the European capital of Culture program for Esch2022.
Her work is performed internationally by musicians such as ensemble recherche, Exaudi, Vertixe Sonora, Lucilin, Arzu & Gamze Kirtil, Monica Germino, Cathy Krier, Naomi Woo and Rhodri Davies, to name a few. A large-scale live promenade piece, Driwwer Drënner Drop, was performed around the bridges of Luxembourg’s old city centre by 140 young musicians as part of rainy days 2021 and she collaborates with S.L. Grange on sound walks following rivers (Fleet Footing, Wou d'Uelzecht). 12 Hours, a staged marathon for voice and electronics in collaboration with Rosie Middleton premiered in November 2024.
Catherine is the artistic director of the rainy days festival, the contemporary music festival at Philharmonie Luxembourg, and Professor of Composition at Royal College of Music, London.
