Appointment of new Director of Music
We are very pleased to be able to announce today the appointment of Thomas (Tom) Chatterton as the next Director of Music for St Matthew’s. Tom will take up the position on March 1, 2016.
Tom is from the UK and began his musical career as a Chorister in Lincoln Cathedral Choir, after which he became a music scholar at Uppingham School. He continued his education at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge University, where he was Organ Scholar and studied for a degree in music. During this time he was appointed Acting Organ Scholar at Jesus College, Cambridge, a post he held alongside his commitments at Corpus. Whilst at Cambridge Tom made a number of CD and BBC recordings accompanying various College Choirs on the organ, and gave numerous organ recitals across the UK and on international tours.
After graduating, Tom spent a further year at Jesus College as Assistant Organist, where he had the opportunity to focus on widening his repertoire, working with some of the most prestigious organists and choral conductors in the UK.
In September 2010, he took up the position of Organist and Music Teacher at Oakham School. At Oakham, Tom had a number of responsibilities centred on both performing on the organ and teaching: he played for five services per-week, accompanied the school’s choirs, and taught class music from age 11-18yrs. Tom was also the conductor of Oakham Choral Society, an 80-strong community choir which performed a wide range of repertoire under his stewardship, including, Mozart’s Requiem, Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem and Puccini’s Messa di Gloria. After five very happy years at Oakham, Tom, his wife Emma and the newly-arrived baby Arthur decided to move to New Zealand (or rather back to NZ in the case of Emma!). Having been in Auckland since July, Tom, Emma and Arthur have settled in quickly and are enjoying life in the city.
Recently Tom has been Relieving Organist at The Community of Saint Luke, Remuera, and whilst he is sad to leave that position, he is very excited by the musical opportunities at St Matthew’s. Away from music, Tom enjoys keeping up-to-date with current affairs, trying new food and wines, and trying to improve his spin fishing technique.
