PETER WRIGHT

Peter Wright was born in Hertfordshire. He was educated at Highgate School and then spent two years as Organ Exhibitioner at the Royal College of Music, studying with Richard Popplewell and Angus Morrison, and gaining various prizes and diplomas. In 1973, he went to Emmanuel College, Cambridge, as Organ Scholar, where he continued his organ studies with Dame Gillian Weir and with Flor Peeters in Belgium. In 1977, Peter became Sub-Organist at Guildford Cathedral and, in March, 1989, succeeded Harry Bramma as Organist and Director of Music at Southwark Cathedral. Under his direction the Choir has recorded three CDs, undertaken three tours to the USA and several to the continent, and broadcast regularly on radio and television (including recording the signature tune for the Mr Bean TV series). In 2001, the choir sang at the Three Choirs Concert of the St Alban's International Organ Festival. In August, 2002, the choristers - both the boys' and girls' choirs - participated in a performance of Bach's St Matthew Passion with Trevor Pinnock at the Proms. Peter is much in demand as an organ recitalist and choral conductor, both here and abroad, and enjoys a wide and varied repertoire. He has recorded, on the Priory label, the first CD of the restored Lewis organ at Southwark, which includes the complete published works of the French organist and composer, Augustin Barié. He was principal conductor of the Guildford Chamber Choir from 1984-1994, and of the Surrey Festival Choir from 1987-2001. For several years, he was conductor at the annual Edington Festival. Peter has travelled widely in Europe and elsewhere as conductor and recitalist including Japan, South Africa, USA, Bermuda, Australia, and New Zealand. In 2000, he performed the complete organ works of J. S. Bach as part of the Monday lunchtime series of recitals at Southwark Cathedral and, recently, gave a recital in Notre-Dame Cathedral, Paris. In April, 2000, he was awarded an Honorary Fellowship of the Guild of Church Musicians in recognition of his work at Southwark. From 1997-2002 he held the office of Honorary Secretary of the Royal College of Organists, afterwards becoming a Vice-President and retaining his role as Chief Examiner. He became President in March, 2005.