Grand Rapids’ St. Cecilia Music Center stands as a testament to the vision of a pioneering group of women who, 141 years ago, established an institution dedicated to enriching the city’s cultural landscape through music. Today, Cathy Holbrook continues to honor this legacy with her remarkable 18-year tenure as the center’s director. Her journey from her native Michigan to California, New York City and back to the heart of our city’s vibrant music scene is a story of passion, resilience, and transformative vision.
Cathy’s early life was steeped in music, with years spent at the piano and a foray into the French horn. After graduating from Forest Hills Central and later Miami University of Ohio, she ventured into communications and PR. However, a pivotal moment during the early ’90s economic downturn redirected her path.
After being laid off from her PR job in California, she found herself at a crossroads. An unexpected opportunity arose when a chance encounter at a gospel concert led to an invitation to apply for a PR position at the La Jolla Chamber Music Society. This pivotal moment launched her into a career that combined her love for music with her professional expertise, forever altering her trajectory.
During her time in La Jolla, Cathy worked closely with renowned figures like Andre Previn and had the unique experience later of becoming his personal assistant. Her role provided her with invaluable insights into the music industry, ultimately leading her to a position with the LA Philharmonic and later with the Santa Barbara Chamber Orchestra. But it was back in Michigan that Cathy found her true calling.
In 2006, Cathy returned to her roots and soon took on the role of director at St. Cecilia Music Center. Since then, she has been instrumental in expanding the center’s offerings and ensuring its relevance in the modern music landscape. Her achievements include the creation of a highly successful Jazz Series, the establishment of a partnership with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, and the introduction of a popular folk music series.
One of the highlights of Cathy’s tenure occurred last fall, marking the 140th anniversary of the music center. In an unforgettable moment, Amos Lee performed at SCMC’s intimate auditorium, renowned for its superb acoustics. Lee, touched by the history and warmth of the venue, decided to celebrate the occasion by ordering 600 beers from Founders Brewing Co. for the audience. The beer was served in the lobby of the music center, but the show was far from over. That evening, Lee’s impromptu performance on the stairs of the lobby, sharing a song with the crowd, left an indelible mark on everyone present, including Cathy, who described it as one of the best nights of her life.
Cathy’s innovative spirit is also evident in her work with David Finckel and Wu Han, whom she first met during her time in La Jolla. Their collaboration has brought a new level of excellence to the chamber music series at SCMC. Their unique programs and dedication to creating a sense of community around chamber music have elevated the center’s standing and put Grand Rapids on the map along with only five other venues in the country involved in the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center’s series.
Under Cathy’s leadership, St. Cecilia Music Center has embraced its rich history while looking towards the future. The center has maintained its original mission to promote the appreciation of music and enrich the lives of Grand Rapids residents and has fully embraced Cathy’s experience. Her efforts have ensured that the organization remains a vital part of the city’s cultural fabric, celebrating both its storied past and its vibrant present.
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