James Orford appointed as new Organist of St Paul's Cathedral
James Orford appointed as new Organist of St Paul's Cathedral
James joins the Cathedral from St Paul’s Church, Knightsbridge, where he is Organist and Assistant Director of Music. He is a prize-winning organist and pianist, having completed both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at the Royal Academy of Music, receiving first-class awards in both. He has previously held organ scholarships at St Paul’s Cathedral as well as Truro Cathedral, the Royal Hospital Chelsea, and King’s College, London.
James will succeed William Fox as Organist in September 2024, when William moves to become the new Director of Music at St Albans Cathedral.
James has given recitals and concerts in many of the UK’s most notable venues and at a number of major festivals, including at Westminster Abbey, the Royal Festival Hall, the Royal Albert Hall, and St Paul’s, Westminster, and Liverpool Cathedrals. He has also received acclaim for recitals performed across Denmark, Belgium, Italy, and Sweden.
In his new role, James will lead the eminent cohort of organists who enrich daily services, special services and events at the Cathedral.
The Cathedral has four organs in total, including the Grand Organ, which was originally installed by the renowned German builder Bernard Smith in 1694. On Sundays, St Paul’s holds free and unticketed organ recitals at 4.30pm, giving visitors the opportunity to hear the Grand Organ, as well as a programme of celebrity organ recitals throughout the summer months.
About his new appointment, James Orford said:
'I could not be more excited to be taking up the post of Organist at St Paul’s Cathedral. St Paul’s has the most extraordinary history and its current organ and choral output under Andrew Carwood’s direction is of the highest quality. To become a part of this tradition and to regularly play that remarkable organ is a true privilege, and I can’t wait for the challenges ahead.
'I am also very much looking forward to the Girls’ Choir starting next September, for what will be a thrilling time to be at the Cathedral. I am very grateful to the community at St Paul’s, Knightsbridge, for the wonderful years I’ve spent there.'
Andrew Carwood MBE, Director of Music at St Paul's Cathedral said:
'I am absolutely thrilled that James Orford is joining the team at St Paul's at this vital moment in our history, when we are dedicated both to maintaining and to developing the excellence of our music programme. James is a first-class musician whose playing is vibrant and imaginative, and I much look forward to hearing the organs of St Paul's during his stewardship.'
