Our People
Founder, trustees & patron
Figures of the highest distinction — every one of whom gives their time freely.
Our People
Figures of the highest distinction — every one of whom gives their time freely.
Founder & Chair
Dr. Olga Thomas is the founder, Chair and driving force of Arcava — a charity that is, in every meaningful sense, an extension of her own character: generous, principled, quietly extraordinary.
Born in Moscow, she attended the Gnesin School for Gifted Children before earning her PhD in Music and Dramatic Art from the Tchaikovsky Conservatoire. As a composer she holds the rare distinction of having reached Number One on the UK Official Classical iTunes Chart on seven separate occasions — including works commemorating the Diamond Jubilee, the Platinum Jubilee and the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, all presented to the Palace and released with one hundred percent of proceeds donated to charity.
She has composed for the Royal Marines Band Portsmouth, collaborated with soprano Lesley Garrett CBE, and served as Resident Composer at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) for eighteen consecutive years. In April 2019 she received the Best Classical Composer award at the Charity Music Awards. She has never charged a penny for any of it.
I have been much taken by the distinctive and somewhat haunting quality of her compositions… I hope you derive as much pleasure as I have from listening to the musical creativity of this fascinating and original talent.Bill Holland, former MD, Universal Classic & Jazz UK
Trustees, Co-Director & Patron
Trustee
One of Britain's most celebrated classical crossover sopranos — the first independent artist to debut at Number One in the Official Classical Album Charts. A close artistic collaborator of Dr. Thomas, with whom she has recorded multiple chart-topping singles including By My Side and Flowers on the Doorstep.
Trustee
A retired Royal Marine of distinguished service, holder of the Member of the Order of the British Empire. He was the arranging officer who oversaw the Royal Marines Band Portsmouth during the recording of Dr. Thomas's Royal album Jubilation — bringing the perspective of the military communities Arcava supports.
Former Co-Director
Co-director of Arcava for many years, bringing the same vision and principle that made him one of the most respected figures in British theatre training during his tenure as Principal of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA).
Patron
Arcava's Patron since its earliest days — and an active, personal patronage. She hosted Arcava's summer reception in the Cholmondeley Room at the House of Lords in July 2001, signed personal letters of invitation on House of Lords paper, and donated prizes for charity auctions. A life peer with a distinguished record of public service in law, international affairs and charitable work.
Our Supporters
Behind every Arcava event, every fundraising campaign and every act of charitable service, there have been devoted supporters and friends whose contribution cannot be measured in titles or formal roles — only in dedication, loyalty and love for the cause.
Among them, Susan Butler gave unstinting support to Arcava across many years — a devoted, trusted and beloved friend of the charity whose commitment, warmth and energy exemplify the spirit of generosity that has always defined Arcava. To Susan, and to every supporter who has given their time and talent over the years, the charity owes an immeasurable and heartfelt debt of gratitude.
