John Scott (organist)

For the other similarly named English organist, see John Scott Whiteley

John Gavin Scott LVO (born 18 June 1956) is an English organist and choirmaster. He directed the Choir of St. Paul's Cathedral in London from 1990 to 2004. He now directs the Choir of Men and Boys of Saint Thomas Church on 53rd Street and Fifth Avenue in New York City. He also pursues a career as an international concert organist.

Career

Born in Wakefield, Yorkshire, he began his musical career as a chorister at Wakefield Cathedral. It was also there that he first learned to play the organ. From 1974 to 1978 he was Organ Scholar at St John's College, Cambridge, assisting George Guest. In 1978 he won the Manchester International Organ Competition. Subsequently, he was appointed as Assistant Organist at both St Paul's Cathedral and Southwark Cathedral. After 1985, he concentrated solely on St Paul's which eventually led to his appointment as Organist and Director of Music in 1990, in succession to Christopher Dearnley.

He has recorded several CDs for labels that include Hyperion Records, Priory Records, Decca Records, Nimbus Records, Sony and Chandos Records. He also compiled chants and psalm texts to make the St. Paul Cathedral Psalter.

Honours and awards

He was appointed a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order (LVO) in the New Year Honours List 2004, in recognition of his work at St Paul's Cathedral.[1]

Personal life

He married Lily Ardalan on 25 May 2013.[2]

References

  1. ↑ The London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 57155. p. 3. 31 December 2003. Retrieved 2007-11-14.
  2. ↑ "Order of Service for the Sixth Sunday after Easter" (PDF). Saint Thomas Church. 5 May 2013. Retrieved 19 June 2013.

External links

Preceded by
Christopher Hugh Dearnley		 Organist and Director of Music, St Paul's Cathedral
1990–2004 		Succeeded by
Malcolm Archer
Preceded by
Gerre Hancock		 Organist and Director of Music, Saint Thomas Church, New York City
2004– 		Succeeded by
incumbent