Corpus Christi Watershed

“What earlier generations held as sacred, remains sacred and great for us too…” Pope Benedict XVI (7 July 2007)

Views from the Choir Loft

John Scott (1956-2015)

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CTL John Scott ODAY WAS A TRAGIC DAY for Sacred Music. The world lost one of the greatest living church musicians, Dr. John Scott. He was the organist and choirmaster of Saint Thomas Church on the Fifth Avenue of New York City. According to the church’s website, he suffered a sudden cardiac episode this morning. Dr. Scott has just returned from a successful European tour.

John Scott was appointed Organist and Director of Music of Saint Thomas Church and Choir School in 2004. He previously served at Saint Paul’s Cathedral for 26 years. He was born in 1956 and is a graduate of Saint John’s College, Cambridge. In 1998, he was nominated International Performer of the Year by the New York Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, and is a frequent jury member of the world’s most prestigious organ competitions. Before embarking for his new post in New York, he was awarded the title Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order (LVO), a personal honor from Queen Elizabeth II. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Nashotah House Seminary in 2008.

Please pray for the repose of his soul, and also for his wife and his children, including his unborn child. May choirs of angels receive him and may he have eternal rest. Requiescat in Pace.

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