Caz Besterman Musician & 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.  

Aside from composing, Caz works as an examiner and presenter for the ABRSM, the exam board of the Royal Schools of Music. She is a consultant for Indonesia and makes regular visits to the region, including networking and seminars for teachers. 

She is also a Trustee for The Finzi Trust, and works in development for The Dovetail Orchestra. She helps with a number of community music initiatives including Taunton Children's Orchestra, and is music co-ordinator for the Together in Tone project in Somerset. 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 sings in county music groups, plays viola in the Somerset County Orchestra and is a a member of No Strings Attached, a string quartet formed while at Cambridge University.