Abbey Sub-Organist honoured with Royal Academy of Music Fellowship
Wednesday, 24th April 2024
Westminster Abbey's Sub-Organist, Peter Holder, has been honoured by the Royal Academy of Music for his outstanding contribution to church music.
He has been made a Fellow of the Academy in recognition of his role as principal organist at the State Funeral of HM Queen Elizabeth II and last year's Coronation of Their Majesties The King and Queen – occasions on which music played a central part.
Fellowship is an honour reserved for alumni of the Academy, and Peter is one of just four musicians recognised in this way this year. He is joined by set designer Es Devlin, composer and pianist Alexis Ffrench and viola player Timothy Ridout, all of whom will be celebrated at a graduation ceremony in London in July.
As the Abbey's Sub-Organist, Peter serves as the chief musical assistant to the Organist and Master of the Choristers, playing the organ for the Abbey's daily and special services and accompanying its Choir in recordings and concerts. He is also the principal deputy conductor of the Choir and assists in training the choristers.
