hcmf// Chief Executive Graham McKenzie to receive honorary Doctorate from the University of Huddersfield
In an announcement by the University of Huddersfield this week, it was revealed that Graham McKenzie, the hcmf// Chief Executive and Artistic Director, is one of three people to be awarded an honorary Doctorate to be presented at this year’s graduation ceremony in July. The other two recipients are Zenebe Hailu Dubale, Trustee and Chairperson for the Ethiopian Orthodox Church in Huddersfield and Aonghus Gordon OBE, Founder and Executive Chair of Ruskin Mill Trust.
Graham has been at the helm of hcmf// since 2006 and is a leading member of a number of new music networks and partnerships across Europe and beyond. He has been an honorary Research Fellow, University of Huddersfield, since 2008 and is also an Associate Member of the University’s Centre for Research in New Music (CERENEM).
Integral to his role with hcmf// is Graham’s contribution to professional development and mentoring programmes for composers and artists – from the festival’s own Fielding Talent initiative to a wide range of cultural organisations, universities and conservatoires throughout the UK and Europe.
hcmf// Chief Executive and Artistic Director Graham McKenzie (Robbie van Zoggel)
Commenting on the news about the award, Graham said: “I’m delighted and honoured to receive this recognition. My thanks to the University of Huddersfield and to all involved. It remains such a privilege to be the custodian of a world-renowned festival such as hcmf//.”
Dr Mick Peake, Chair of the hcmf// Board of Trustees, added: “I am absolutely thrilled that Graham McKenzie’s work with the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival has been recognised by this award from the University of Huddersfield. Since his appointment as Artistic Director and Chief Executive in 2006, Graham has ensured that hcmf// has been at the centre of the presentation of the best cutting-edge music across both the UK and internationally. He has been a vital driver in the development of a network of music festivals across Europe and beyond, nurturing both established and new talent and bringing it to Britain. Nowhere else in the UK can you hear the range and quality of international cutting-edge music that Graham has brought to Huddersfield.”