Australia's Coriole Music Festival Appoints New Artistic Director

Adelaide Symphony Orchestra concertmaster Kate Suthers will step into the role

The McLaren Vale Music Festival Association (MVMFA) has announced that the violinist Kate Suthers, concertmaster of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, will serve as the new Artistic Director of the Coriole Music Festival in South Australia.

Suthers succeeds outgoing Artistic Director Simon Cobcroft, who has held the post for the last three years. Her debut program for the festival will be announced in November 2025, and the 2026 edition is set to take place on 16 and 17 May.

Hailing originally from Sydney, Suthers played with the Australian Youth Orchestra before moving to London to study with György Pauk at the Royal Academy of Music. She has held positions in the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.

In recent years, Suthers has directed the Scottish Ensemble on their Scottish Creations tour around the highlands and islands of Scotland, as well as leading a production of The Handmaid’s Tale at the English National Opera, performing The Lark Ascending at St-Martin-in-the-Fields, and leading the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group on tour in Europe.

She took up her position at the helm of the ASO two years ago.

"I’m delighted to be entrusted with the role of the next Artistic Director of the Coriole Music Festival," Suthers said. "The recent festival celebrated 25 years, and I see my tenure as a chance to build on those traditions as well as an opportunity to explore new repertoire and programming. I relish the thought of combining the beautiful setting of the Coriole Vineyard with a weekend full of music."

"We warmly welcome Kate as Artistic Director as we look to the future while celebrating and acknowledging the Coriole Music Festival family who has helped shape the event over the last 25 years," said Mark de Raad, MVMFA Chair. "It’s the community of artists, supporters and audience who are the lifeblood of the festival."