John Scott (organist)
Encyclopedia
John Gavin Scott LVO
(born 18 June 1956) is an English-born 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.
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 1974-78 he was Organ Scholar
at St John's College, Cambridge
, assisting Dr 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 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.
Royal Victorian Order
The Royal Victorian Order is a dynastic order of knighthood and a house order of chivalry recognising distinguished personal service to the order's Sovereign, the reigning monarch of the Commonwealth realms, any members of her family, or any of her viceroys...
(born 18 June 1956) is an English-born organist
Organist
An organist is a musician who plays any type of organ. An organist may play solo organ works, play with an ensemble or orchestra, or accompany one or more singers or instrumental soloists...
and choirmaster. He directed the Choir of St. Paul's Cathedral in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
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
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
. He also pursues a career as an international concert organist.
Born in Wakefield
Wakefield
Wakefield is the main settlement and administrative centre of the City of Wakefield, a metropolitan district of West Yorkshire, England. Located by the River Calder on the eastern edge of the Pennines, the urban area is and had a population of 76,886 in 2001....
, Yorkshire
Yorkshire
Yorkshire is a historic county of northern England and the largest in the United Kingdom. Because of its great size in comparison to other English counties, functions have been increasingly undertaken over time by its subdivisions, which have also been subject to periodic reform...
, he began his musical career as a chorister at Wakefield Cathedral
Wakefield Cathedral
Wakefield Cathedral, formally the Cathedral Church of All Saints Wakefield is the cathedral for the Church of England's Diocese of Wakefield and is the seat of the Bishop of Wakefield. The cathedral has Anglo Saxon origins and the tallest cathedral spire in Yorkshire...
. It was also there that he first learned to play the organ. From 1974-78 he was Organ Scholar
Organ scholar
An organ scholar is a young musician employed as a part-time assistant organist at an institution where regular choral services are held. The idea of an organ scholarship is to provide the holder with playing, directing and administrative experience....
at St John's College, Cambridge
St John's College, Cambridge
St John's College is a constituent college of the University of Cambridge. The college's alumni include nine Nobel Prize winners, six Prime Ministers, three archbishops, at least two princes, and three Saints....
, assisting Dr George Guest
George Guest
George Guest was a Welsh organist and choral conductor.- Birth and early life :George Guest was born in Bangor, Wales. His father was an organist, and George assisted him by acting as organ blower. He became a chorister at Bangor Cathedral, and subsequently at Chester Cathedral, where he...
. In 1978 he won the Manchester International Organ Competition
Manchester International Organ Competition
The Manchester International Organ Competition was part of the biennial Manchester Festival. The Organ Competition ran from 1978 until 1986.-1978 - First competition:...
. Subsequently, he was appointed as Assistant Organist at both St Paul's Cathedral and Southwark Cathedral
Southwark Cathedral
Southwark Cathedral or The Cathedral and Collegiate Church of St Saviour and St Mary Overie, Southwark, London, lies on the south bank of the River Thames close to London Bridge....
. 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
Christopher Hugh Dearnley
Christopher Hugh Dearnley was an English cathedral organist, who served in Salisbury Cathedral and St Paul's Cathedral-Background:Christopher Hugh Dearnley was born on 11 February 1930 in Wolverhampton...
.
He was appointed a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order (LVO)
Royal Victorian Order
The Royal Victorian Order is a dynastic order of knighthood and a house order of chivalry recognising distinguished personal service to the order's Sovereign, the reigning monarch of the Commonwealth realms, any members of her family, or any of her viceroys...
in the New Year Honours List 2004, in recognition of his work at St Paul's Cathedral.