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The Genius of Stopford
Written By: Angie Jenkins | Issue: 2016/05 - May
Highlands First Presbyterian Church’s Chancel Choir and other area singers will perform in a sacred choral concert in the church’s sanctuary at 7:00 P.M. Saturday, May 7, following a choral workshop which will take place that day. The public is cordially invited to attend.
The event will be facilitated by Master British Composer/Conductor Philip W.J. Stopford, a close friend of First Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir member Nan Hunter. Concert repertoire will consist of Stopford compositions. Accompanist will be Pianist/Organist Ann Tiner of
Cullowhee, North Carolina.
In addition to being a highly acclaimed composer of choral music, Stopford is also an accomplished organist, conductor, and choral trainer. He began his musical career as a Chorister at Westminster Abbey under the direction of both Simon Preston and Martin Neary. After winning a major Music Scholarship to Bedford School, he became Organ Scholar at Truro Cathedral, the original home of the Nine Lessons and Carols Service, playing the organ for services and taking Probationer Chorister rehearsals.
After leaving Bedford School, Stopford studied music at Keble College, Oxford. Upon graduating, he was appointed Organ Scholar at Canterbury Cathedral in 1999 before moving to Chester Cathedral in 2000 as Assistant Organist. Philip accepted the position as Director of Music at Christ Church in Bronxville, New York, in December 2015 and completed the transition from England this February.
First Presbyterian Church of Highlands is located at the corner of Main and Fifth Streets. Handicapped accessible entrances are located on Church Street and on
Fifth Street.
