John Scott (organist)

John Scott (organist). John Scott was a renowned English-born organist, choir director, and conductor who had a significant impact on the world of classical music, particularly in the United States. He is best known for his work as the organist and choir director of St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City and as the founder of the St. Patrick's Cathedral Choir. Throughout his career, Scott collaborated with numerous prominent musicians and ensembles, including Joshua Rifkin, Ton Koopman, and the Leonard Bernstein.

Early life and education

John Scott was born in 1956 in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, England. He began his musical education at a young age, studying organ with George Thalben-Ball and John Barstow at the Royal College of Music in London. Scott later continued his studies at the Paris Conservatoire, where he was mentored by Pierre Petit, and at the Harvard University, where he earned a Master of Arts degree.

Career

Scott's professional career began in the 1970s, when he served as the organist and choir director at Westminster Cathedral in London. In 1988, he moved to the United States to become the organist and choir director of St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City, a position he held until his death in 2015. During his tenure, Scott transformed the cathedral's music program, establishing the St. Patrick's Cathedral Choir and introducing a wide range of repertoire, from Gregorian chant to 20th-century works by composers such as Samuel Barber and William Schuman. He also collaborated with numerous prominent musicians, including Plácido Domingo, Bryn Terfel, and Renée Fleming.

Recordings and repertoire

Scott was a prolific recording artist, with a discography that spans over three decades. He recorded numerous albums with the St. Patrick's Cathedral Choir, including works by Johann Sebastian Bach, George Frideric Handel, and Charles Franck. Scott's repertoire ranged from medieval to contemporary music, and he was particularly known for his interpretations of the works of Franz Liszt and Charles-Marie Widor. He also performed and recorded with various ensembles, including the New York Philharmonic, the Cleveland Orchestra, and the English Chamber Orchestra.

Awards and honours

Throughout his career, Scott received numerous awards and honours for his contributions to classical music. He was awarded the Royal College of Organists's FRCO diploma and was named an Honorary Member of the American Guild of Organists. Scott also received the Grammy Award for Best Choral Performance for his recording of Ralph Vaughan Williams's Mass in the Dorian Mode.

Personal life and death

Scott was married to the soprano Judith Serrah, and the couple had two children. He died on 28 August 2015, at the age of 59, in New York City, New York, United States, due to complications from cancer. Scott's legacy continues to be celebrated through his recordings and the numerous musicians he influenced throughout his career. Category:English organists Category:Male organists Category:20th-century classical musicians Category:21st-century classical musicians