Cathedral music

For centuries music has played a central role in the daily life of cathedrals. Not only is it critical in supporting the round of worship, but it offers the opportunity for wider community engagement and enjoyment.

Organist & Director of Music

Dr Peter Litman was the organ scholar at Christ Church College, Canterbury from 1996 to 1999, where he completed a degree in music studying the organ with Neil Wright. A gifted choral director, he read postgraduate degrees in choral direction and music education at Roehampton University, and latterly obtained his doctorate. Peter studied choral direction with Dr Colin Durrant and Dr Therees Tkach Hibbard, and in 2003 was appointed in succession to Dr Durrant, as Director of the MA Choral Education course at University of Surrey, Roehampton. In 2009, he relocated to North Wales as Director of Music at Glyndwr University and Organist and Choirmaster at St Peter’s Collegiate Church, Ruthin. Peter continued to study the organ with Roger Fisher at Chester Cathedral gaining both FLCM and LTCL diplomas in organ performance. In 2012, he was appointed Organist and Director of Music at St German’s Cathedral in Peel. He was awarded an Honorary Fellowship to the Guild of Church Musicians (HonFGCM), and in 2017 was awarded the prestigious Associate diploma of the Royal School of Church Music (ARSCM) for his work at the Cathedral. In 2021, Peter was made an Honorary Fellow of University College Isle of Man, in recognition for his service to music education and church music both on and off the Island, and is a member of the University’s Research Panel. In addition to his Cathedral duties, Peter is associate tutor in Music, Liturgy and Worship at Emmanuel Theological College in Chester (Durham common awards).

Associate Organist

Stuart Corrie spent his early life in Lancaster and was lucky enough to be encouraged to take advantage of the considerable musical opportunities there, eventually settling on learning to play the organ. Whilst at Lancaster Royal Grammar School, he was a recital prize winner at the Oundle International Organ Festival and was a finalist in the National Young Organist of the Year competition, held at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral. Stuart went on to read music at Royal Holloway and Bedford New College, University of London where he was appointed organ scholar, studying with Prof Lionel Pike, Roger Judd and Jeremy Filsell. He also held the post of organist at Windsor Parish Church. His accomplishments garnered him a scholarship to study at Tulane University in New Orleans in the US. Studying with Wieslaw Rentowski, he also sang in the Christ Church Episcopal Cathedral Choir and was honoured to perform in their recital series. Stuart went on to hold positions at Chelmsford Cathedral, Felsted School, and for many years was assistant Director of Music at Rossall School. In 2017 he relocated to the Isle of Man when he was appointed the Deputy Head (Pastoral) at King Williams College.