New Organists Johnson and Jones Join Memorial Church

Two new musicians have joined the staff of the Memorial Church, replacing Nancy Granert, who left to become organist of Emmanuel Church in Boston.

Jared S. Johnson, sub-organist, and Edward Jones, organ scholar, will be playing at services as well as assisting in training and conducting the Choir.

Johnson is beginning a master's in theological study at the Divinity School, and feels his work as sub-organist will complement his religious studies.

"I wanted the opportunity to add the music of worship to my studies," Johnson says. "I am also looking forward to working in an environment with a reputation for high quality not only in music but in preaching as well. It's a dream job for an organist." Johnson received a music degree and a bachelor of arts in English from Oberlin College, where he directed and sang in the college choir. He also studied choral music in England, where he was based at St. Paul's Cathedral in London.

Organ Scholar Jones has many years of choral music experience, beginning when he was a chorister in Llandaff Cathedral in his hometown of Cardiff, Wales. It was there that he became interested in organ music; he began studying the instrument in his early teens.

"I applied to Emmanuel College at Cambridge University as an organ scholar, and spent three years conducting the Emmanuel College Choir," Jones says. This experience culminated in a two-day CD recording session prior to the Choir's tour of Italy. The choir sang in many cathedrals, including Florence Cathedral, and finished the tour by singing midday mass at St. Peter's. Jones is very excited to work with a new choir.

"I think it will be good to compare and contrast choirs and choral techniques," says Jones.

"I am delighted to have these two superb young musicians to carry us through this musical year, as we lay plans for a more long-term appointment," says Murray Forbes Somerville, University Organist and Choirmaster at the Memorial Church. "Their talent, skill, and energy will serve us well, and it will be a significant learning experience for both of them."