Catherine Yates

Catherine Yates is a Professor and Deputy Head of the School of Strings at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM). She studied under notable violinists like Malcolm Layfield and Lydia Mordkovich at RNCM and further trained at Yale University and the Britten-Pears School. From 1989–2013, she was a member of the Sorrel Quartet, which gained prominence through international performances, BBC Radio broadcasts, and recordings with Chandos Records. Since 2013, she has held positions as Principal Second Violin with the Hallé Orchestra (2013–2019) and now Guest Principal roles with major UK orchestras, while maintaining her academic and chamber music activities at RNCM.

Her career integrates performance, teaching, and mentorship. She collaborates with charitable organizations supporting young musicians and has a legacy of critically acclaimed recordings, including works by Shostakovich, Britten, and Elgar. At RNCM, she contributes to curriculum development and student training in string performance.