Caz Besterman Composer

Her orchestral suite Pictures of Bristol was premiered in 2015 by the Brunel Sinfonia and a previous work for orchestra, Mirror Romance, was performed in Clifton Cathedral. Her choral settings of World War 1 poetry including ‘In Flanders Fields‘ were showcased in the commemorative concert ‘Pity of War’ in 2018, featuring top composer Bob Chilcott. Caz has also composed music for film and for theatre, including student productions of Antigone and Journey’s End. Forthcoming compositions include contemporary songs, piano solos for young players, a work for unaccompanied SATB, and further Christmas repertoire for upper voices.  

When not teaching and composing, Caz works as an examiner and presenter for the ABRSM, the exam board of the Royal Schools of Music. She is also a Trustee for The Finzi Trust, and helps with a number of community music initiatives. She is passionate about ensuring access to music education and instrumental opportunities for all.

Caz has taught in senior schools for over twenty years, both in the UK and in Indonesia, and has mentored young people in composition. She plays viola in the Somerset County Orchestra and in No Strings Attached, a string quartet formed while at Cambridge University.