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Philip Moore's final service as Master of the Music
Published: on 16th July 2008 by Alix Peacock in Minster News
Philip Moore, Organist and Master of the Music at York Minster for twenty five years will lead the music at his final service on Sunday 20th July 2008. Philip will conduct the Minster choir for the final time at a special service of Evensong at 4.00pm on 20 July – all are welcome to attend this service.
Philip Moore has recently received the St William’s Cross from the Archbishop of York in recognition of his time as Master of the Music at the Minster. The St William’s Cross is an award given by the Archbishop of York in recognition of special service to the Province of York. During the Sung Eucharist service at the Minster on Sunday 6th July, the Archbishop also gave Mr Moore a specially commissioned Wedgwood bowl which is inscribed with all of Philip’s qualifications and achievements. Mr Moore was presented with the bowl by Director of Wedgwood, Mr John Mohin.
Mr Moore began his time at York Minster in 1983 when he succeeded Dr Francis Jackson as Master of the Music. He began his career teaching at Eton College in 1965, moving to Canterbury Cathedral to become Assistant Organist in 1968. In 1974 he became Organist and Master of the Choristers at Guildford Cathedral before his move to York Minster in 1983.
In Philip Moore’s time at York Minster he has overseen the music for the enthronements of three Archbishops of York and for the installation of three Deans. He has composed pieces of music for each of these special services. With the Minster Choir he has produced several recordings of hymns, psalms, anthems and carols which have met with much critical acclaim. Mr Moore has run several choir courses in the USA and, as well as directing the Minster Choir, has been conductor of the York Musical Society since 1983. He will continue in this role following his retirement. Although he is well known as a composer and has overseen the music at many special services and events, Mr Moore’s main love is to oversee the music at the daily services held in York Minster. To mark Philip Moore’s retirement, the Friends of Cathedral Music commissioned an anthem from him which had its world premiere at Evensong on 3rd May.