Wisbech teacher appointed as first ever female director of music at Peterborough Cathedral

Tansy Castledine, who is deputy head (academic) at the independent school, will take up the post in September.

She will be the first ever female director of music at Peterborough Cathedral, and one of only three women holding similar roles in music departments at English cathedrals - the others being at Guildford and Arundel.

Ms Castledine has been director of music at St Mark’s, Hamilton Terrace, London since 2012 and was director of music at St George’s College, Weybridge for 11 years prior.

She is also musical director of Ramsey Choral Society.

The Very Revd Chris Dalliston, Dean of Peterborough, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Tansy has agreed to join us as our new Director of Music. She will undoubtedly bring a great deal of insight, skill and experience with her and we look forward to welcoming her to the Cathedral community, and seeing the music department continue to flourish under her leadership.”

Ms Castledine is a prize winning graduate of Exeter College, Oxford and the Royal Academy of Music, a former president of the MMA, the UK’s largest and longest established association of music teaching professionals.

She is a fellow of the Royal College of Organists, an associate of the Royal Academy of Music, and holds the National Professional Qualification in Senior Leadership.

She said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be appointed director of music at Peterborough Cathedral. The opportunity to continue Steven Grahl’s excellent work and to contribute to the life of the Cathedral community is a really exciting prospect.

“Whilst I will be very sad to leave St Mark’s, Hamilton Terrace after six immensely enjoyable years, I am very much looking forward to working with the Chapter to shape the musical provision at Peterborough Cathedral over the coming years.”

She will succeed Steven Grahl who has held the post since 2014 and is leaving to become Organist at Christ Church, Oxford.