We are delighted to announce that after an extensive recruitment process, Louis Stockton has been appointed as Director of Music. He comes to us from the Oratory of St Philip Neri, Cardiff, having previously worked in the Music Department at Bromsgrove School. Louis says; "I am delighted to join the St Peter's community. Originally from nearby Stourbridge, my career as a church musician began after my studies at Durham University and I have since had the privilege of conducting choirs and playing the organ in churches around the world. Recognising the significant role of music in the life of St Peter's, I am honored by the opportunity to uphold its traditions and contribute to its future. I very much look forward to getting to know you all and sharing our journey of faith together." Louis will be starting with us immediately and will begin to take the directing reigns after a period of transition. We look forward to working with him over the coming months and years, building on the excellent work of his predecessor. We would like to thank Matt Rose for his magnificent effort in leading the choir over the past few months and to all those who have conducted, trained or rehearsed the choir since September.
Our choirs are affiliated to the Royal School of Church Music. The children in the choir receive an excellent musical training and a good grounding in the Christian faith. RSCM training schemes are in full operation.The boys and Choral Scholars/Lay Clerks sing on two Sunday mornings and two Sunday evenings each month during term time.The girls and Choral Scholars/Lay Clerks sing on two Sunday mornings and two Sunday evenings each month during term time.In addition the Senior girls of the choir sing choral evensong on Wednesday afternoons during term time.The congregation is enthusiastic about the choirs and there is good parental involvement and congregational support.
Our Father Willis Nave Organ, completely restored by Michael Farley Organ Builders of Exmouth, Devon, in 2018 - 2019 to replace the Henry Willis IV organ of 1971. Much of existing pipework was reused, addition of Claribel Flute 8' and Block Flute 2' to Great, addition of Flauto Traverso 4' to Swell, addition of Tuba 8' to Choir, addition of 4 digital stops to Pedal, including 2 32 ft digital stops, restoration of colouring to display pipes to original 1860 decoration. Also a new movable console by Renatus Organs, Bideford, Devon, with all modern playing aids and sequencer. The restored organ was formally opened and dedicated at the Nine Lessons and Carols Service in December 2019. Please see the LINK for full specification of the restored instrument
