John Scott (organist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Scott
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Scott at St Thomas Church, New York, 2014
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | John Gavin Scott |
| Born | 18 June 1956 Wakefield, England |
| Died | 12 August 2015 (aged 59) New York City, New York, US |
| Genres |
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| Occupation(s) | |
| Instruments | Organ |
| Years active | 1978–2015 |
John Gavin Scott (born June 18, 1956 – died August 12, 2015) was a very talented English organist and choirmaster. He became one of the best in his field, working in both England and the United States. He led the famous Choir of St Paul's Cathedral in London from 1990 to 2004. After that, he moved to New York City. There, he directed the Choir of Men and Boys at Saint Thomas Church until he passed away at age 59. John Scott helped many young musicians learn and grow. He also traveled the world, performing concerts and making recordings. People often called him "the top English organist of his time."
Contents
John Scott's Musical Journey
Early Life and Learning Music
John Scott was born in Wakefield, Yorkshire, England. He started his musical journey as a chorister (a choir singer) at Wakefield Cathedral. This is also where he first learned to play the organ. From 1974 to 1978, he was an organ scholar at St John's College, Cambridge. This means he studied the organ while helping with music at the college. He learned from famous musicians like George Guest and Gillian Weir.
Leading Choirs in London
After finishing college, John Scott became an Assistant Organist. He worked at both St Paul's Cathedral and Southwark Cathedral in London. After 1985, he focused only on St Paul's. In 1990, he became the Organist and Director of Music there. This was a very important job.
John Scott played the organ at many special events for the British Royal Family. These included the wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana. He also performed for the 100th birthday of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. And he played for the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. This celebrated 50 years of her being Queen. He also taught organ at the Royal Academy of Music.
Moving to New York City
In 2004, John Scott moved to New York City. He took on a new role at St Thomas Church on Fifth Avenue. He became their Organist and Director of Music. This church is famous for its choir. It also has the only church-linked choir boarding school in North America.
Concerts and Recordings
John Scott was a very busy musician. He performed many concerts around the world. He played the complete organ works of famous composers like Bach and Messiaen. He also made many recordings. These recordings were released by well-known music companies. He even put together special music books for churches.
Awards and Special Recognition
John Scott won several important awards during his career.
- In 1978, he won the first-ever Manchester International Organ Competition.
- In 1984, he was the first British organist to win the International Bach Competition in Germany.
- In 1998, he was named "International Performer of the Year" in New York City.
In 2004, Queen Elizabeth gave him a special honor. She made him a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order (LVO). This was to thank him for his great work at St Paul's Cathedral. In 2007, he received an honorary doctorate degree. After he passed away, the organ at Saint Thomas Church was named in his memory.
John Scott's Family Life
John Scott was married and had children. He first married Carolyn Jane Lumsden in 1979. They had a son and a daughter. Later, he married Lily Ardalan in 2013. Their son was born shortly after John Scott's death.
His Passing
In the summer of 2015, John Scott, at age 59, went on a big concert tour. He performed fourteen organ concerts in seven different European countries in just six weeks. He finished his last concert tour and came back to New York on August 11, 2015. The very next day, he had a heart problem. He was taken to Roosevelt Hospital and passed away there with his wife by his side. A public funeral service was held for him at St Thomas Church on September 12, 2015.
Some of John Scott's Recordings
John Scott made many recordings throughout his career. Here are a few examples:
Solo Organ Recordings
- Mendelssohn: Music for Organ
- The Complete Organ Music by Maurice Duruflé
- John Scott Plays the Organ of St Paul's Cathedral, London
- Favourite Organ Works
Recordings with Choir
- The English Anthem, Volumes 1–8
- The Psalms of David
- Christmas from St Paul's
- Christmas on Fifth Avenue
