Testimonials

Over the past year, Caz has been involved in a series of projects, workshops and rehearsals, taking up diverse roles as required: violist, conductor and strings coach, composing mentor and project manager.  I can testify to her excellent composing skills and ability to respond to a challenging brief. In all the above roles I have found her to be very diligent and conscientious, showing great resourcefulness in each task and always putting in the extra effort to ensure excellent results.  

Dr Jonathan James, MBE

Director of the Bristol Pre-Conservatoire, Director of the Bristol Ensemble Training Orchestra, Director of the Dovetail Orchestra

"Caz is a composer able to evoke place, time and atmosphere in a mere handful of bars, whose scoring is at once beguiling and direct. Prodigiously versatile across the musical board, she continues to produce scores that get to the emotional heart of her source inspiration, be it film, a programmatic idea or an emotional journey on stage. Her idiomatic knowledge of the orchestra is also borne out in her strength as a conductor and chorus-leader, where she never fails to inspire performers and elicit their best from them."

Iain Bell, Composer

‘Stonewall’ (New York City Opera), ‘In Parenthesis’ (WNO), ‘Jack the Ripper – the Women of Whitechapel’ (ENO), 'Medusa' (La Monnaie)

"I had the pleasure of working with Caroline as Director of The Soundtrack Project, an intergenerational composition project to create original choral and instrumental pieces inspired by the life of a resident from a Bristol sheltered accommodation complex.I can say with honesty that the project would not have been anywhere near the success that it was without Caroline’s input. She brought clear headedness, positivity and admirable efficiency to all of the work which, combined with her creative flair, was invaluable. Caroline’s hardworking nature and musicianship are a credit to her. I remain grateful for the opportunity of working with her."

Elizabeth Westcott

Assistant Musical Director, The Bristol Old Vic Theatre, Musician, Kneehigh Theatre Company

"Caz Besterman is one of the most talented composers for the stage that I’ve ever collaborated with. Her music is sublime. She has a wonderful ability to tell story through music."

Brian Parsons

Dean of Theatre, Oklahoma City University
Director of Drama, Shrewsbury School

 "Many congratulations for a beautiful event.  The music was thoroughly fitting and diverse for the nature of the poetry and [my child] really enjoyed participating in the whole day. It is such an important experience for [children] to make and hear music beyond what the music industry feeds them. Well done all."

Parent of choir member

"I just wanted to say huge congratulations on all you achieved for and with all those children.  They were delightful, and they delivered your pieces beautifully."

Val Withams, Director, Choral Connections

"It was wonderful to work with you; I was very inspired watching you.  You’re fabulous with the children."

Clare Ashford, BBC Radio and event presenter