John Robinson (church musician)


John Robinson is an English organist and choral conductor. Currently, he is the Director of Music at Blackburn Cathedral. Robinson is active as an Organ Recitalist, having performed in venues across the US and Europe, and recorded for Priory, Herald, Hyperion and Ambisonic. He has led choral festivals for various organisations including the RSCM and Pueri Cantores.

Education and early career

Robinson was a chorister and Organ student of Roy Massey at Hereford Cathedral then Organ Scholar at Canterbury Cathedral working with David Flood. He became the Organ Scholar at St John's College, Cambridge with Christopher Robinson and David Hill. At University of Cambridge he won the Brian Runnett Prize for Organ, and the Plymouth National Young Organists' Competition. He became Fellow of The Royal College of Organists and graduated from Cambridge University with a degree in Music.

Career

Carlisle Cathedral

From 2005, Robinson was Assistant Organist at Carlisle Cathedral where he made several organ recordings for Priory Records including the Complete Organ Works of Samuel Sebastian Wesley and a recording of Romantic English Organ Music. He was the Director of Carlisle Cathedral Youth Choir, and of Cockermouth Harmonic Society.

Canterbury Cathedral

In 2008, he became Assistant Organist at Canterbury Cathedral and organist of The King's School, Canterbury. He made a solo DVD of Canterbury Cathedral Organ with Priory Records, hailed as 'Recording of the Month' by Music Web International, as well as recordings with the Cathedral Choir and Choir of The King's School, Canterbury.

St. Paul's Choir School

In 2010, Robinson was appointed Organist and Director of Music at St. Paul's Choir School, in Harvard Square. There he was responsible for training the Choir of Men and Boys in daily sung liturgies, concerts, tours and recordings. Having professionalised the men of the choir, Robinson significantly widened the liturgical repertoire of the Choir. He oversaw collaborations with other choirs and orchestras, which raised the profile of the Choir both nationally and internationally. He led their first internationally released recording 'Christmas in Harvard Square'. The recording remained high on the Classical Billboard Charts for months after its release. Robinson is active in conducting Youth Choir Festivals, and as an advisor to Church Music appointments. Robinson has appeared as an organist across the US. Recently the choir has released a second album, 'Ave Maria' with Sony Classical.