Simon was appointed Director of Music in Autumn, 2011 – a job that is far ranging. The Director of Music liaises with the organist, trains the choir and gathers together all the musical talent he can find in the church, whether instrumentalists, singers, or others with know-how or enthusiasm. He prepares for special festivals in which music takes such an important role and he may also find himself exploring fresh directions to engage people in their journey of faith. Above all, he strives to maintain and develop the great strengths of music already established at St Mark’s.
Simon has come to this post with a wealth of experience and expertise. He was at one time Organ Scholar at Peterhouse College, Cambridge, and since then has worked with churches in London, Sussex and Cornwall, as well as directing workshops, teaching in schools and lecturing. Alongside his church music, Simon is registered for a post-graduate degree at Sheffield University, researching the theological significance of the organ music of Olivier Messiaen.
He has spent much of the last three years travelling the world, experiencing new cultures and meeting many people of diverse faiths and customs. Music was never entirely absent on these travels; for example, Simon tells of the time he felt honoured to play the ceremonial gong at the Hindu watermelon festival on Maheshkali Island in the Bay of Bengal. We suspect that many innovations will be coming our way at St Mark’s – much to our enjoyment!