The
Team
Molly Mathieson
Founder and CEO of New NoteMolly Mathieson
Founder and CEO of New NoteMolly began her career in TV and made broadcast docs for the BBC and Channel 4. She devised the channel 4 documentary Addicts Symphony. She launched New Note Orchestra in 2015 and a year later won a New Radicals Award. She has steered New Note over the last 10 years and has picked up many awards including the prestigious Kings Award for Voluntary Service - an MBE for charities. Most recently she has developed the first leadership programme for marginalised musicians called Key Changers, who are changing the community music landscape.
Conall Gleeson
New Note Orchestra Music DirectorConall Gleeson
New Note Orchestra Music DirectorConall became Music Director of New Note Orchestra in January 2017. He has grown the orchestra from a grass roots charity into a credible arts organisation. He uses innovative workshop ideas to encourage the orchestra members to compose their own scores. He is currently Deputy Head of the School of Media at University Brighton.
Jon Rattenbury
New Note Strummers Music DirectorJon Rattenbury
New Note Strummers Music DirectorJon has led the New Note Strummers since 2016, helping the Strummers in live performances, and for their recent CD recording of classic tracks. Jon is an experienced musician who performs in a wide range of styles, and has worked as a music teacher for many years, including as Associate Lecturer at the University of Chichester Conservatoire.
Lauren Dowse
New Note Dance Artistic DirectorLauren Dowse
New Note Dance Artistic DirectorDance Artist / Expressive Arts Educator/ Certified Tamalpa Practitioner.
Lauren is in recovery from addiction and joined the New Note Orchestra in 2018. In 2023 she launched New Note Dance in partnership with New Note and Create Recovery. She uses the 12 step principles to support vulnerable people through this weekly dance class.
James Evans
New Note Operational DevelopmentJames Evans
New Note Operational DevelopmentJames provides a wide range of business administration support covering participant surveys, project evaluations, business development, data management and compliance. James has played keyboards in the New Note Orchestra for nearly 10 years.
Lucy Bolt
AdminLucy Bolt
AdminLucy provides admin support across all of New Note's activities. She helps out across fundraising, budgets and other support roles.
Becca Thomas
Comms and social mediaBecca Thomas
Comms and social mediaBecca looks after our social media, and creates content for our blogs, newsletters and website.
Crispin Gair
Strummers tutorCrispin Gair
Strummers tutorCrispin joined the New Note Orchestra in 2019 and went through New Notes music leadership programme 'Key Changers'. He has been delivering the weekly Strummers sessions since Autumn 2024.
Julia Handelman-Smith
Chair of TrusteesJulia Handelman-Smith
Chair of TrusteesWith 15 years of experience in international relations, I support and advise organisations that share my passion for creating mutual and equitable dialogue between cultures and countries to tackle complex challenges. I specialise in the culture and education sectors, where I have an extensive track record of leading and delivering innovative and impactful programmes across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. I work with clients from diverse backgrounds, from leading dance companies to social enterprises and universities, to help shape mission and vision, strategic pathways and partnerships, leading to positive change and global influence. I am an ambitious and innovative curator, working across sectors to develop international programmes. As the Founder and Director of Our Symphony, I lead a collaborative music programme that empowers people to express and communicate their lived experiences through sound, in and between communities in the UK and worldwide. I am an experienced and authentic public speaker in English, French and Hebrew. Speaking engagements include Brunel University London, UNESCO, Paris Diderot University, Eton College, Restorative Justice 4 All UK, and Asia-Pacific Europe Conference.
Claudia Clarkson
TrusteeClaudia Clarkson
TrusteeWith extensive experience in project, tour, and client/artist management, I’ve worked with leading classical music agencies, including IMG Artists, Keynote Artist Management, and Askonas Holt. My career spans collaborations with prestigious venues and festivals such as the Abu Dhabi Festival, Roundhouse, and Southbank Centre, where I have taken on roles as a Producer and Programmer in freelance and fixed-term capacities. Currently, I work with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, spearheading community-focused initiatives along the South Coast, as well as with Lee Music GmBh, continuing to bring artistic visions to life. Fluent in German (written and spoken) with a working knowledge of French, I bring a global perspective and a passion for connecting audiences with transformative musical experiences
Sarah Erskine
TrusteeSarah Erskine
TrusteeI am a music therapist and choir leader, grew up in East Anglia, and then spent many years in Brighton before we relocated to Sweden. I have been a supporter of New Note from almost the beginning and involved in a few projects, and am delighted to be a trustee.
David Martin
TrusteeDavid Martin
TrusteeDavid is Supported Housing Manager at YMCA DownsLink Group. David is a passionate leader in supported accommodation with experience across adult accommodation services. He has worked in the homeless services in London and East sussex for the last eight year.